Laurin Manning's Blog

Barack in Columbus: "Ohio, the time for change has come."

Laurin Manning — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 20:24:45 EST

Today the typically chilly late October air gave way to warmth and sunshine rare to central Ohio this time of year. Over 60,000 Ohioans turned out this afternoon for a campaign rally held on the west lawn of Ohio's state house in downtown Columbus.

The whole Obama family -- Barack, Michelle, and their daughters Malia and Sasha -- made a final swing through the Buckeye State on the brink of Tuesday's Election Day.

Barack greeted the crowd with a reminder that voting is already underway in Ohio. "If you haven't voted yet, it would be a shame for you to come to a rally and not vote!" He pointed out that the early voting location in Franklin County is merely a few blocks from the state house and encouraged the rally-goers to take the opportunity after the rally to go vote. (Click here to learn more about early voting in Ohio.)

Barack urged those in attendance not to get complacent -- that there is still much work to be done in the next two days:

Don't believe for a second this election is over. Don't think for a minute that power concedes. We have to work like our future depends on it in these last few days, because it does.

But I know this, Ohio, the time for change has come. We have a righteous wind at our back.

And in these last couple of days, I need you to knock on some doors for me, and make some calls for me, and go to barackobama.com and find out where to vote - and remember, you can vote early here in Ohio. If you will stand with me, and fight by my side, and cast your ballot for me, then I promise you this - we will not just win Ohio, we will not just win this election, but together, we will change this country and we will change the world. Thank you, God bless you, and may God bless America.

Visit www.voteforchange.com to find out what you need to know to cast your vote and usher in a new era of change in this country. Click here to volunteer in your neighborhood on Election Day.

Check out pictures from today's rally in Columbus below:

To read the full text of Barack's remarks, click on the extended entry.

Senator Barack Obama on the Terrorist Attack in Yemen

Laurin Manning — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 13:22:38 EDT

Below is a statement from Senator Barack Obama on the terrorist attack in Yemen:

"I strongly condemn today's outrageous attack on the U.S. Embassy in Yemen. I honor the embassy guards who defended the compound, and my thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. While I am thankful that no American citizens were killed, I am deeply saddened by the loss of innocent lives.

"Over seven years after 9/11, this latest attack calls on us to redouble our efforts to root out and destroy al Qaeda and its affiliates across the globe. This attack demonstrates the grave terrorist threat that exists from North Africa to Southeast Asia and around the world. This threat is made more dangerous by the sanctuary that al Qaeda has in Pakistan, which has allowed the organization to regroup, retrain, and re-establish links with operatives and affiliated groups.

"We must do more to strengthen the military, police, and intelligence capability in nations like Yemen that are on the front lines in the fight against terrorism. We need a Shared Security Partnership Program to build the infrastructure to deliver effective counter-terrorism training, and to create a strong foundation for coordinated action against al Qaeda and its affiliates. This program will provide assistance with information sharing, training, operations, border security, anti-corruption programs, technology, and the targeting of terrorist financing.

"We must also build on the successful investments in securing our embassies that were made after the embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania. This attack reminds us that we are all grateful for the Americans - troops and civilians - serving our country in dangerous places around the world."

Obama Campaign Joins with Michigan Families Facing Foreclosure to Defend Voting Rights

Laurin Manning — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:51:04 EDT

Obama Campaign Joins with Michigan Families Facing Foreclosure to Defend Voting Rights

Detroit, MI - The Obama Campaign and the Democratic National Committee are joining with three Michigan residents in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan to defend the lawful right of families facing foreclosure or who have lost their homes to vote in the November election.

"Senator McCain said last week that he was 'divorced from the day-to-day challenges people have,' and he certainly has proven that to Michigan families," said Obama Campaign Manager David Plouffe. "Senator McCain has no real plan to turn Michigan's economy around or help families faced with losing their homes - so his party has decided the only way to save his campaign is to deny the right to vote to families most affected by his disastrous economic policies."

The complaint filed today seeks declaratory and injunctive relief to challenge the "lose your home, lose your vote" vote-suppression program adopted by the Macomb County Republican Party, in concert with the Michigan Republican Party and the Republican National Committee, as well as unnamed Defendants who will implement the scheme at polling places in Macomb County and throughout the State. This "lose your home, lose your vote" program is part of a broader scheme - misnamed an "election integrity" program - to harass voters and suppress the vote throughout the State of Michigan in the upcoming election on November 4.

In an interview with the Michigan Messenger last week, Macomb County Republican Party Chairman James Carabelli discussed GOP plans to systematically deny the vote to citizens who have wrestled with foreclosure, saying, "We will have a list of foreclosed homes and will make sure people aren't voting from those addresses." Nothwitstanding Carabelli's later denials that he meant what he said, the Complaint filed today shows how this "lose your home, lose your vote" program remains a live threat in Michigan and elsewhere in the country and why action by the courts is urgently needed to stop this attack on the rights of Americans who in hard times have lost or are about to lose their homes.

A copy of the complaint is available online at: mi.barackobama.com/michigancomplaint

# # #

Continue reading to view the Republican record of denying and suppressing voting rights.

Senator Obama's statement on Hurricane Ike

Laurin Manning — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 16:24:14 EDT

Below is a statement from Senator Barack Obama on Hurricane Ike:

As another storm threatens the Gulf Coast, I'm praying for the safety of all those in Hurricane Ike's path and urge everyone to heed the warnings of local authorities and seek safer ground immediately. Those who choose to stay are putting not only themselves at risk, but the emergency personnel working to ensure their safety. Now is the time to help those who want to leave but aren't able to - and once the storm passes, we must work to provide swift relief wherever it is needed.

Barack on the disconnect in Washington

Laurin Manning — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 14:04:27 EDT

This morning at a town hall meeting in Dover, New Hampshire, Barack spent some time discussing the disconnect between Washington insiders and everyday Americans. He talked about how John McCain offers four more years of the same failed policies of George W. Bush and the same disconnect between Washington and everyday Americans.

Watch an excerpt of Barack's remarks below:

Senator Obama Responds To Latest Round Of Attacks

Laurin Manning — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 13:56:54 EDT

Today in Norfolk, Virginia, Senator Obama responded to the latest round of outrageous attacks and manufactured controversy:

Had enough of slash-and-burn, "swiftboat" politics? Make a contribution today and help us end the politics of diversions and distractions.

Statement by Obama Campaign Senior Advisor Anita Dunn

Laurin Manning — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 22:00:30 EDT

In response to the McCain campaign's latest attack, Obama Campaign Senior Advisor Anita Dunn released the following statement:

Enough is enough. The McCain campaign's attack tonight is a pathetic attempt to play the gender card about the use of a common analogy - the same analogy that Senator McCain himself used about Senator Hillary Clinton's health care plan last year. This phony lecture on gender sensitivity is the height of cynicism and lays bare the increasingly dishonorable campaign John McCain has chosen to run.

Message from David Plouffe: "Lies to Nowhere"

Laurin Manning — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 15:03:03 EDT

Campaign Manager David Plouffe just sent out the following email:

Laurin --

The McCain campaign has finally admitted that this election is about change.

Their new ad uses what news organizations are calling "naked lies" to reinvent two politicians whose records embody the same culture of corruption and far-right policies we've seen from the Bush administration.

The biggest whopper in the ad (that's still being repeated day after day by McCain and Palin on the campaign trail) is that Governor Palin stopped the infamous "Bridge to Nowhere" -- in fact, she supported it, and even hired a lobbyist in Washington to get more pork-barrel projects like it.

If the McCain-Palin campaign wants to have a debate about who is prepared to bring the change we need, we're more than ready.

So we just launched a new ad to set the record straight on McCain and Palin. Will you watch our response ad and make a donation to help us keep it on the air?

Here are the facts ...

Sarah Palin was a vocal supporter of the infamous "Bridge to Nowhere" -- the symbol of the Republican culture of corruption -- turning her back on it only after the project's bloated pork-barrel waste was exposed.

Their ad also claims John McCain has "reformed" Washington -- which would undoubtedly come as a surprise to the Washington lobbyists who are running his campaign and the special interests who have been funding it.

The most "maverick" thing about these two politicians right now is that they continue to support George Bush's disastrous policies long after we have all seen the damage they are doing to our country.

Barack Obama and Joe Biden are ready to bring the change we need to Washington. They're on the campaign trail every day talking about it -- just today, Barack laid out his plans to transform education.

But we can't let these ridiculous claims from the McCain campaign stand.

Watch the ad and make a donation now to help us set the record straight:

https://donate.barackobama.com/thetruth

Thanks for everything you're doing.

David

David Plouffe
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

Obama campaign statement on Governor Palin's repeating the debunked "Bridge to Nowhere" claim today

Laurin Manning — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 12:10:46 EDT

The Obama campaign released the following statement on Governor Palin's repeating the debunked "Bridge to Nowhere" claim today.

"On the same day that dozens of news organizations have exposed Governor Palin's phony Bridge to Nowhere claim as a 'naked lie,' she and John McCain continue to repeat the claim in their stump speeches. Maybe tomorrow she'll tell us she sold it on eBay," said Obama campaign spokesman Tommy Vietor.

Click on the extended entry to view citations from independent sources that have debunked Governor Palin's claims.

New ad: "What kind"

Laurin Manning — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 11:10:11 EDT

Today the Obama campaign released a new ad entitled "What kind" on the topic of education. Watch the ad below.

Learn about the Obama-Biden education plan here. View the ad's transcript after the jump.

Barack on the Republican National Convention

Laurin Manning — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:59:20 EDT

Today in York, Pennsylvania, Barack spent a few minutes talking about the rhetoric from the Republican National Convention over the past three days. Here's an excerpt:

"You wouldn't know that this is such a critical election by watching the convention last night. I know we had our week and so, you know, the Republicans deserve theirs. But it's been amazing to me to watch. Over the last two nights, if you sit there and you watch it, you're hearing a lot about John McCain - and he's got a compelling biography as a POW. You're hearing an awful lot about me, most of which is not true. What you're not hearing is a lot about you."

Watch Barack's full comments below.

Statement by Senator Barack Obama in Support of California Airport Workers

Laurin Manning — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:17:31 EDT

Statement by Senator Barack Obama in Support of California Airport Workers

CHICAGO, IL - Senator Barack Obama issued the following statement today in support of passenger service workers at airports throughout California:

"Today, I stand with the airline service workers on strike at Los Angeles International Airport. The demands they're fighting for aren't unreasonable - access to health care, adequate training, proper equipment, wages that can support a family - they're what America's workers deserve. Their efforts send a strong signal that it's not good for workers, passengers, or the industry when business fails to live up to its end of the bargain.

"By supporting the security personnel who don't have the staffing or training to ensure passenger safety or deal with high turnover rates, the crewmembers in dangerous conditions who can't afford health care, and the service workers who after more than a decade on the job still don't earn a living wage that makes ends meet, we all benefit.

"For the airline industry, meeting these demands is inextricably tied to passenger safety, quality service, and the health of our economy. Our airlines have a responsibility to their workers and passengers to come back to the bargaining table so that union members can go back to work."

To read Senator Obama's plan to continue fighting for America's workers, click here.

The buzz from local blogs: After the convention

Laurin Manning — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 21:02:11 EDT

Things are settling back down in Chicago headquarters after last week's historic convention in Denver, and we're overdue for a "Buzz."

• Ben at Bluegrass Roots details the festivities from the night of Barack's acceptance speech at Mile High Stadium in Denver:

I'll save all of the blow-by-blow commentary, since the MSM did most of that already and I'll simply say that I'll never, not ever forget the feeling that speech, the people, and the atmosphere gave me. It was one of those moments where you see your life and your purpose with absolute clarity:

To be of some use to your community. To move through the world with a grateful heart, aware of those who came before you and those who will come after. To love well. The intellectual clarity will inevitably cloud again, but the feeling will remain.

Walking back to the bus afterward, i thought how wonderful it was to have a public servant who not only asked people to have high expectations for him, but who routinely lived up to those expectations. What a refreshing change from scraping by on low expectations manipulated by political pundits.

Others called the speech "a symphony" and "transcendent." I call it a revelation.

• Greenchiledem at Square State has some great pictures and a wrap-up from hometown convention coverage:

One of the best parts of being a member of the host state delegation at the convention is having front row seating during the convention. They didn't help my photographic skills, but I managed to get a few shots that I share with the world on the flip. Unfortunately, I 'lost' a lot of pictures while downloading to my computer. These are the ones I managed to save. ...

Thanks to everyone that came to Colorado to share this historic experience.

• Lisa at New Nebraska has convention coverage from the Cornhusker delegation:.

• Tessa at My Left Nutmeg reflects on the convention experience:

The joy and relief felt and expressed by people of color in the streets, in the meetings, on the buses, in the halls...The hugs and kisses, the warm handshakes, the fistbumps...This was the culmination of a lifetime of marches, meetings, speeches, shouting, negotiating, letters to editors, arguments within committees, hurt feelings, broken bones, smashed families, rebuilding, interference, misunderstandings, and, ultimately, love. This is not to imply that the struggle is over. Far from it. Justice takes a long time. ...

• Nick D at Buckeye State Blog has details on campaigning taking place in Southeastern Ohio:

We've just received word that the Obama campaign will be in Southeastern Ohio tomorrow just as Gov. Strickland kicks off a tour stumping for Obama throughout southeastern Ohio. Obama will campaign in New Philadelphia and Dillonvale tomorrow, while Gov. Strickland will be in Belpre, Pomeroy, Gallipolis, Jackson and Piketon today.

This sort of campaigning is absolutely essential to winning this swing area of the state. ...

• Lowell at Raising Kaine praises Barack's Labor Day speech:

This speech is amazing, one of the best I've ever heard by Barack Obama -- or anyone, for that matter. This is what progressivism is all about. This is what America is -- or certainly should be - all about. I urge you to watch the speech in full (it's not that long, definitely quality over quantity!). In the meantime, here are a few highlights (it gets stronger and stronger, building to an amazingly powerful climax at the end)...

• Philgoblue at West Michigan Rising has a round-up of press coverage from Barack and Joe's "Road to Change" tour in Michigan.

Contribute to hurricane relief efforts today

Laurin Manning — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 14:37:11 EDT

"Over the last couple of days, everybody's attention has been focused on this hurricane coming. Whether you're a Democrat, a Republican, or an independent doesn't really matter because we want to make sure that those areas are safe. We don't have time for small politics when we are faced with a threat like this." - Barack Obama | Battle Creek, MI

Our thoughts and prayers are with those in Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, and Texas whose lives have been affected by Hurricane Gustav.

If you would live to donate money toward hurricane relief efforts, follow the links below.

Donate to relief efforts in:

• Louisiana

• Mississippi

• Alabama

• Florida

• Texas

Michelle's Last Day at the 2008 Democratic National Convention

Laurin Manning — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:15:57 EDT

Michelle has had a busy day since you last heard from her. Later in the morning she spoke before a large room at the Colorado Convention Center filled primarily with women. Her remarks focused on Barack's understanding of women's issues from having seen the women in his own life struggle.

The struggles of working women and families across America aren't new to any of us. And they're certainly not new to Barack.

Growing up, he saw his mother--a young single mom who was only eighteen when he was born--put herself through school while raising him and his sister. He saw her struggle to pay the bills--even going on food stamps at one point. And in her final months, when she was sick with cancer, she was as worried about paying her medical bills as she was about getting well.

Barack saw his grandmother--the primary breadwinner for his family--work her way up at a bank. But he also saw how, despite her hard work and abilities, she hit a glass ceiling and watched lesser-qualified men pass her on the race to the top.

And he sees me, his wife, trying to juggle jobs and raise kids, often feeling like when I'm with the kids, I'm shortchanging work. And when I'm at work or on the campaign trail, I'm shortchanging the kids. I know you all understand this guilt.

Barack understands it too--because the women he loves most in the world have gone through it. That's why he carries our stories--and the stories of women he's met all across America--with him every day.

And that's why as President, Barack will change Washington so that instead of just talking about family values; we actually have policies that value families.

After Michelle concluded her remarks, we packed up our gear and bolted for the motorcade, saying hello to the folks in the kitchen as we hurried through in order to get to the next event on time.

Next, Michelle spoke at the Speaker's luncheon, a gathering hosted by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. In this talk, Michelle touched on the anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, the occasion at which Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech. The 48th anniversary of the speech coincides with Barack's acceptance of the Democratic Party's nomination for president tonight at Mile High Stadium in Denver.

Forty-five years ago, more than a quarter of a million people gathered in our nation's capital for the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. They stood under the blazing sun and listened to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as he lifted our sights and our hearts with his dream for our nation. …

On the steps of the Lincoln Memorial that day, Dr. King told us, "1963 is not an end, but a beginning." And his speech did mark the beginning of a powerful journey for our nation. It launched a thousand individual journeys as well--as men and women stood up and seized new opportunities to pursue their dreams and make the most of their God-given talents.

Today, we are all here as part of another improbable journey--one that began 19 months ago, on a clear February day, when we joined my husband Barack Obama on the long road that has brought us to this moment.

And tonight, we will make history again--when Barack Obama accepts our nomination to be the next president of the United States.

But just as August 28, 1963 was not an end, but a beginning--August 28, 2008 is not an end. We still have a long road ahead of us. And our journey doesn't end on Election Day, either. That day is just another beginning as well. Because we are still far from achieving Dr. King's dream of equality and opportunity for all Americans.

In the early afternoon, Team Michelle shuttled over to Mile High Stadium to participate in several television interviews. The stadium was already filling up with folks arriving to watch Barack's acceptance speech this evening.

After some media time, we hopped back in the motorcade and headed back to the hotel, where Michelle got dressed and ready for the big night. (…and staffers whipped out their laptops to blog upload snapshots to Flickr… well, this staffer did.)

Finally, the finale. Motorcading back to Mile High Stadium, we saw the stands swelling with over 84,000 ordinary folks from all across the country here to be a part of this moment in history - Barack's acceptance of the Democratic Party's nomination for president of the United States.

Enjoy the day in pictures.

Michelle's Wednesday Wrap-Up

Laurin Manning — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 22:10:43 EDT

What a day!

We woke with the sun this morning to get to Curtis Park here in Denver for our service project with the DNC's Delegate Service Day. Watch a recap of the service project below:

Following the service project, we headed back downtown to drop by a meeting of the DNC's Hispanic Caucus. Michelle spoke before the group and echoed a key message from her speech Monday night: we must fight to make the world as it should be - not settle for the world as it is.

Michelle's message was warmly received. Toward the end of her remarks, the crowd jumped to their feet and erupted into several rounds of robust cheering: "Si se puede! Si se puede!"

This is a historic election -- and not just because Barack is at the top of the Democratic ticket. It's historic because of what's at stake for our shared future and our children's future.

This election is about the Latino families who are often the first ones hurt by an economic downturn and often the last ones helped by an economic upturn. It's about the Latino communities that have been devastated by the housing crisis. There are so many urgent problems that we must address in this election. That's why Barack is running for President. Because he believes that if we come together, and work together, we can build the world as it should be.

In the world as it should be, anyone willing to put in an honest day's work can make a good living and support their family--because we'll have an economy that works for all Americans--not just on Wall Street, but on Main Street, too.

After the Hispanic Caucus, we headed over to the Denver Convention Center and paid a visit to the DNC's Black Caucus. The crowd - which didn't know Michelle would be joining them - was elated to see her!

Michelle's message to the Black Caucus focused on themes of equality and justice:

I'm particularly glad to be here on a week that commemorates some of the great strides our nation has made toward equality and justice.

Eighty-eight years ago yesterday, the 19th Amendment became law, guaranteeing women the right to vote. And tomorrow will be the 45th anniversary of when Dr. King stood up in front of the Lincoln Memorial and lifted our sights and our hearts with his dream for America.

We all know that our country's journey of equality is not yet finished. But this week, we celebrate how far we've come--and how deep our shared capacity is to break through any barriers that stand in the way of our progress as a nation.

Tonight Michelle is at the Pepsi Center and is looking forward to hearing from the Vice Presidential nominee of the Democratic Party -- Joe Biden! He's scheduled to speak around 8:30 Mountain Time/10:30 Eastern Time. Stop back by the Obama campaign's blog for the latest coverage of Joe's speech.

Michelle at DNC's Delegate Service Day

Laurin Manning — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:01:50 EDT

'To whom much is given, much is expected.' That's what our parents used to say to us. My brother and I were taught that you have an obligation to give back." - Michelle Obama

The Colorado sunlight burned off the early morning chill, drying the dew on the grass. Peppy rock tunes blared from the speakers. At the sight of the motorcade pulling up behind the small outdoor stage, those in attendance hushed and rushed toward the stage. Children leaned over the railing to catch the first glimpse of the special guests taking part in the Democratic National Convention's Delegate Service Day.

Out of the vehicles emerged Michelle Obama, her daughters Malia and Sasha, Michelle's mother Marian, Michelle's big brother Craig, Jill Biden, Colorado First Lady Jeannie Ritter, and a cadre of Obama and Biden friends and family members. All were sporting bright blue tee shirts emblazoned with the words, "Supporting Our Troops" on the front.

The crowd erupted in applause at their arrival.

Paul Rieckhoff, executive director of the non-partisan Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, welcomed the group. Paul acknowledged special guest Tammy Duckworth, an Iraq war veteran from Illinois who lost her legs at war when the Black Hawk helicopter she was co-piloting was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade. (Duckworth will speak at tonight's session of the 2008 Democratic National Convention.)

Rieckhoff called on Colorado First Lady Jeannie Ritter, who introduced Michelle.

Michelle offered brief remarks about the day's emphasis on service and shared with the crowd the plans to assemble "care packages" for American troops at the conclusion of the program.

"These projects are our way of saying thank you to the people of Denver, our gracious hosts this week. But our work today is also out of support and great admiration for the troops who are serving our country abroad and keeping us safe at home. My family is thrilled to be here today to send a few comforts of home to our soldiers overseas. We hope the more than one thousand delegates taking part in the many service projects across Denver today will carry that commitment to service back to help their communities long after our Convention is over."

Hear a personal greeting from Michelle on-site at today's service event:

Learn about the Obama-Biden National Service Plan here.

Michelle at LGBT Luncheon

Laurin Manning — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:45:47 EDT

This afternoon Michelle dropped by a luncheon honoring the LGBT Delegates in Denver. Building on what she shared last night, Michelle spoke about Barack's vision for the world as it should be, focusing on themes of equality and justice.

Barack believes that if we come together, and work together, we can build the world as it should be.

In the world as it should be:

We work together to repeal laws like DOMA and Don't Ask Don't Tell, and we oppose divisive constitutional amendments that would strip civil rights and benefits away from LGBT Americans--because discrimination has no place in a nation founded on the promise of equality.

Anyone willing to put in an honest day's work can make a good living and support their family--and employers are held accountable for discrimination against LGBT Americans.

The federal government fully protects all of us--including LGBT Americans--against hate crimes.

In the world as it should be, we recognize that equality in relationship, family, and adoption rights isn't an abstract principle, but goes directly to whether all Americans can lead lives of dignity and freedom.

Watch a clip from Michelle's remarks at the LGBT caucus meeting below:

Michelle Speaks at EMILY's List Gathering

Laurin Manning — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:19:45 EDT

On this 88th anniversary of women's suffrage, Michelle Obama joined several of the most prominent women leaders in the country -- including Senator Hillary Clinton and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi -- at a gathering with EMILY's List earlier this afternoon in Denver.

Michelle spoke to a packed house of primarily women who were brimming with enthusiasm and are ready to elect a president who will stand strong on women's rights.

Last night's big speech notwithstanding, Michelle admitted her mom duties have caused her some distraction from the festivities of the convention, given the event's timing.

School is about to start, and I was thinking about how I was going to get Malia's books and locker combination.

Check out this video excerpt from Michelle's remarks at today's EMILY's List event:

Mark Warner: Race for the Future

Laurin Manning — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 23:30:04 EDT

You know, I spent 20 years in business. If you ran a company whose only strategy was to tear down the competition, it wouldn't last long. So why is this wisdom so hard to find in Washington? I know we're at the Democratic Convention, but if an idea works, it really doesn't matter if it has an "R" or "D" next to it. Because this election isn't about liberal versus conservative. It's not about left versus right. It's about the future versus the past.

Mark Warner, the former governor of Virginia and 2008 Democratic nominee for the United States Senate, delivered the keynote address tonight, the second night of the Democratic National Convention.

Warner knows a thing or two about change. As he shared in his speech, during his tenure as governor of Virginia, Warner inherited a dire state budget shortfall. Warner worked with the heavily Republican legislature to close the budget gap. Under his leadership, Virginia was named the best-managed states in the nation. The state made record investments in education, innovation, and job training and got 98 percent of Virginia children who were eligible enrolled in the children's health care program.

Warner shares Barack's vision for change and commitment to working together to solve the problems we face. Check out pictures from Warner's speech below:

Denver Economic Roundtable with Michelle Obama and Joe Biden

Laurin Manning — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:31:18 EDT

This morning in Denver about 300 folks joined Michelle Obama at a roundtable discussion with four working women from across the country to discuss economic security for Americans families.

One of the women participating in the roundtable, Katherine Marcano, shared a bit about her life before introducing Michelle. Katherine lives in Iowa and balances being a full-time college student with caring for her 17-year-old sister, who has cerebral palsy, and her mother, who battles a debilitating heart condition.

Katherine struggles to secure adequate healthcare for her sister and mother. The Obama-Biden healthcare plan is an important factor in Katherine's support of Barack and Joe. (Under the Obama-Biden plan, Katherine would receive nearly $3,000 in direct tax relief and lower health care costs.)

"Senator and Mrs. Obama inspire me to believe in myself and my country," said Katherine. "And now I give you the next First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama."

After offering brief remarks, Michelle recognized special guests Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius, Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, Washington Governor Christine Gregoire, and Delaware Governor Ruth Ann Minner.

Then Michelle announced that two surprise guests would be joining them.

As suspense was building, Michelle shared a quick story from Monday night at the convention.

"I've been doing a lot of the surprise thing lately," said Michelle. "Last night, as we walked on stage, I told Malia and Sasha that there was going to be a surprise."

"Is it the Jonas Brothers?" inquired Malia with excitement.

"No, it's not the Jonas Brothers," Michelle replied. "But they thought it was an okay surprise that Daddy was joining us by video."

With that, Michelle allayed the suspended of the crowd and called for the special guests. The doors to the left of the stage opened, and Joe and Jill Biden emerged. The crowd erupted with applause.

Joe greeted the group and recognized several special women in his life - his wife Jill, his sister Valerie, and his daughter Ashley.

Each of the women on the panel shared her story, her struggles, her hopes, and her reasons for supporting Barack Obama and Joe Biden in this campaign.

View pictures of the event below:

To read the Obama-Biden plan to support working women and families, click here.

Delegates up close: Monica from Washington

Laurin Manning — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:13:22 EDT

I'm not just here to see confetti. I'm here to learn. - Monica Stonier

Monica Stonier is not just a teacher. She's a learner. As a sixth grade teacher and first-time delegate, Monica's at the convention to take part in the inner-workings of the party nominating process and set an example of civic involvement for her students. (She's also seizing the opportunity to showcase her snazzy headwear!)

Monica hails from Vancouver, Washington, where she teaches sixth graders language arts and social studies. One of her favorite things about Barack is his candor.

I like that he's realistic about how much it's going to take to turn this country around. He doesn't try to paint things as not being complex. I appreciate his honesty and like that he means exactly what he says. I try to teach my kids in the classroom to be like that.

Michelle shares her story

Laurin Manning — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 00:42:53 EDT

"Phenomenal! She nailed it! I'm sure Barack is very proud." - Gwen M., Tampa, FL

"She seemed down-to-earth, warm, and kind. Good story, too." - Chris S., Lake Geneva, WI

"Very moving. Very human. Made me cry a couple of times. But the kids at the end almost stole the show." - Kay R., Bethany Beach, DE

"I thought it was wonderful. I was especially blown away by the end when she talked about Barack and the girls." - Mary G., Houston, TX

Tonight, America met the rock of the Obama family, Michelle Obama. Misty eyes and broad smiles blanketed the Pepsi center in Denver as she shared the story of her life and her journey with Barack. She made the case in a way no one else could as to why, at this juncture in history, Barack is the leader to unite people and work to achieve the change we need.

View pictures of Michelle's speech below, and read her remarks in the extended entry. (Check back soon for a video of Michelle's speech... and a visit from a surprise guest at the end!)

Read more.

Meet Michelle Obama

Laurin Manning — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 22:27:35 EDT

Tonight, Michelle Obama introduces her husband to America.

As the country tunes in for the first night of the 2008 Democratic National Convention, there's no one better fit to present Barack Obama than the woman he often describes as the "the rock of the Obama family" and the love of his life.

But before Michelle takes the stage to share her husband's story and his vision for the future, we'd like to introduce you to the woman who may be the next First Lady of the United States.

Narrated by Michelle's mother Marian Robinson, South Side Girl offers a glimpse of the upbringing, the individuals, and the experiences that have molded Michelle into the principled and compassionate daughter, wife, mother, and friend she is today.

Meet the woman whose American story began in a modest, loving home on the South Side of Chicago. Meet Michelle Obama.

Michelle, Malia, and Sasha Land in Denver

Laurin Manning — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 22:31:38 EDT

Greetings from Denver, Colorado! For the next five days, we'll be sharing the latest from the 2008 Democratic National Convention right here on the national campaign blog.

This afternoon three Obamas - Michelle, Malia, and Sasha - touched down on a scorching tarmac at Denver International Airport, where they were greeted by a crew that included Colorado Governor Bill Ritter, First Lady Jeannie Ritter, their daughter Tally, several first-time delegates, and - in recognition of the upcoming National Delegate Service Day - volunteers from service organizations.

As Michelle exchanged hugs with members of the group, the kids connected as well. Tally Ritter presented Malia and Sasha with their very own Colorado Rockies jerseys and welcomed the girls to Colorado.

Check out video footage from the tarmac below, and stay tuned for further updates from here in Denver.

Click here to read about the volunteer leaders.

Statement of Senator Barack Obama on Loan Guarantees for Domestic Auto Manufacturers

Laurin Manning — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 18:45:41 EDT

"Breaking our oil addiction requires helping our auto industry re-tool to make fuel-efficient cars and trucks, which is why my energy plan includes $4 billion in the first year for this purpose. As I have said repeatedly I also support providing additional assistance to the companies in future years to ensure that advanced fuel-efficient vehicles will be made here in the US. Unfortunately, John McCain has shown how out of touch he is with the struggles of everyday people and the needs of autoworkers by consistently saying no to loan guarantees for our domestic automakers. Why would auto workers trust John McCain to protect their jobs and provide much needed help for America's auto industry?" said Senator Obama.

Statement of Senator Barack Obama on Reports that U.S. and Iraq Have Reached Tentative Agreement on Troop Withdrawal from Iraq

Laurin Manning — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 14:42:19 EDT

"I am glad that the Administration has finally shifted to accepting a timetable for the removal of our combat troops from Iraq. Success in Iraq depends on an Iraqi government that is reconciling its differences and taking responsibility for its future, and a timetable is the best way to press the Iraqis to do just that. I welcome the growing convergence around this pragmatic and responsible position.

"This agreement is still draft and vital pieces of it must be finalized, so I will reserve final judgment on the agreement until it is complete. The agreement needs to be carefully reviewed, and must include immunity for U.S. troops and Defense Department personnel from Iraqi jurisdiction. I continue to believe that in consultation with our commanders and the Iraqi government, we can safely redeploy at a pace that removes our combat brigades in 16 months, with a residual force to target remnants of al Qaeda; to protect our service members and diplomats; and to train Iraq's Security Forces if the Iraqis make political progress.

"Senator McCain has stubbornly focused on maintaining an indefinite U.S presence in Iraq, but events have made his bluster and record increasingly out of touch with reality. While Senator McCain continues to offer unconditional military and economic support for Iraq, I strongly believe that we need to use our leverage with the Iraqi government to ensure a political settlement. In addition to a timetable, we should only train Iraqi Security Forces if Iraq's leaders reconcile their differences, and we must insist that Iraq invests its $79 billion surplus on rebuilding its own country. It's time to succeed in Iraq and to honor the sacrifice of our servicemen and women by leaving Iraq to a sovereign Iraqi government.

"Ending the war in Iraq responsibly is in the broader strategic interests of the United States. It's long past time to drawdown our troop presence and to stop spending $10 billion a month in Iraq so that we can increase resources for the mission in Afghanistan, rebuild our military, and invest in our struggling economy at home," said Senator Obama.

Obama Campaign and the Campaign for Change to Hold 50-State Working for Change Weekend

Laurin Manning — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 10:34:50 EDT

CHICAGO, IL - This Labor Day weekend, just after Barack Obama officially claims the Democratic nomination for president, the Obama campaign and the Campaign for Change will organize a Working for Change Weekend to mobilize volunteers and voters at the grassroots level in all 50 states.

Across the country, volunteers and staffers will spend part of their Labor Day weekend preparing our grassroots organization for the final two months of the campaign. At house parties, picnics, organizational meetings, and local rallies, grassroots supporters of Senator Obama will register first-time voters and recruit volunteers by talking to people in their community about the Obama plan to change Washington and contrasting it with the McCain plan to extend President Bush's economic policies for another four years. Participants will be able to organize and find events online at my.barackobama.com.

"Our grassroots supporters and volunteers are the unsung heroes of this campaign. And this Labor Day weekend, they will come together for a massive working weekend to organize our efforts for the final two months," Obama Campaign Manager David Plouffe said. "Our energy and support at the grassroots - among Democrats, Independents and Republicans -- is what is making traditionally red states competitive, and what will put us over the top in November."

With unprecedented grassroots support and enthusiasm, the Obama campaign has organized in all 50 states. This Working for Change Weekend is another manifestation of people working from the bottom up to bring real change to Washington.

Obama campaign launches new TV ad, holds events nationwide on McCain's losing track of how many homes he owns

Laurin Manning — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 13:23:03 EDT

CHICAGO - Today, the Obama campaign released a new 30-second TV ad, Seven, discussing just how out of touch John McCain is with the struggles of everyday people. The ad highlight's John McCain's desire to just offer more of the same economic policies we've gotten from President Bush, as just yesterday he declared that "the fundamentals of our economy are strong" and lost track of how many houses he owns.

Watch "Seven," which will air on national cable beginning today, below:

In addition, Obama supporters are speaking out in battleground states across the country about how out of touch Senator McCain is. Listed below is information on the ad as well as just a few of the events happening today across the country.

BURLINGTON, VT: Vermont State Representative Rachel Weston will be speaking outside her home about McCain losing track of how many homes he owns.

LA CROSSE, WI: State Rep. Jen Shilling and La Crosse Obama supporters host a news conference on McCain losing track of how many homes he owns.

MADISON, WI: Former US Senator Jean Carnahan holds event in Madison with Women For Obama where she will talk about McCain losing track of how many homes he owns.

DES MOINES, IA: Kansas Governor, Kathleen Sebelius campaigns in Des Moines this afternoon where she will discuss McCain losing track of how many homes he owns.

KANSAS CITY, MO: Obama Heartland Change RV Tour with State Senator Wes Shoemyer will visit a Missouri family in Kansas City to discuss McCain losing track of how many homes he owns.

ST. PAUL, MN: State Senator Tarryl Clark discusses McCain losing track of how many homes he owns.

BANGOR, ME: Rep. Mike Dunn, and House Majority Whip Sean Faircloth will hold a press conference to talk about McCain losing track of how many homes he owns.

PUEBLO, CO: State Rep. Terrance Carroll will hold an event with Obama supporters in Denver and State Sen. Abel Tapia about McCain losing track of how many homes he owns.

OH: Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen will talk about McCain losing track of how many homes he owns at events throughout southeast Ohio

ALTOONA, PA: State Senator John Wozniak will headline an event in Altoona, PA on McCain losing track of how many homes he owns and the campaign is also announcing a statewide search for anyone who doesn't know how many houses they own.

MI: Campaign for Change offices across Michigan are launching a "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire: McCain Edition" contest where volunteers will be able to win a free "Exxon-McCain" bumper-sticker if they correctly guess the number of houses John McCain owns. Prizes will be only be awarded after McCain clarifies exactly how many houses he owns. To win, the answer must be specific -- "at least four" doesn't count.

TAMPA , FL: Campaign for Change in Florida launched a statewide search to find Floridians who, like John McCain, have so many homes that they just can't keep track of the number.

Raleigh, NC: Campaign for Change in North Carolina is holding a press conference in Raleigh with Representative G.K. Butterfield to talk about McCain losing track of how many homes he owns.

BILLINGS, MT: A local family will hold an availability in front of a house slated for foreclosure.

NV: Congresswoman Berkley will host a conference call to talk about McCain losing track of how many homes he owns.

ANCHORAGE, AK: Local residents will hold a press availability to talk about McCain losing track of how many homes he owns.

Sen. Obama's statement on the passing of Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones

Laurin Manning — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 20:10:23 EDT

CHICAGO - In response to the statement issued by the Cleveland Clinic this evening confirming the passing of Ohio Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, Senator Barack Obama made the following statement:

"Michelle and I are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones. Stephanie was an extraordinary American and an outstanding public servant. It wasn't enough for her just to break barriers in her own life. She was also determined to bring opportunity to all those who had been overlooked and left behind - and in Stephanie, they had a fearless friend and unyielding advocate. It was an honor to serve with Stephanie in Congress, and I know her legacy will live on in all those who walk the trails she blazed and walk through the doors she opened. Our hearts and prayers are with all those who knew and loved her," said Senator Obama.

Statement of Senator Barack Obama on Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones

Laurin Manning — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:32:46 EDT

CHICAGO, IL - Senator Barack Obama made the following statement regarding today's news about Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones:

"Michelle and I are saddened to hear today's news about Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones. She is a passionate and tireless advocate for the people of Cleveland and a devoted public servant for all Americans. We send our heartfelt prayers to Stephanie and her family at this very difficult time."

[UPDATE]

Obama on the Passing of Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones

CHICAGO - In response to the statement issued by the Cleveland Clinic this evening confirming the passing of Ohio Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, Senator Barack Obama made the following statement:

"Michelle and I are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones. Stephanie was an extraordinary American and an outstanding public servant. It wasn't enough for her just to break barriers in her own life. She was also determined to bring opportunity to all those who had been overlooked and left behind - and in Stephanie, they had a fearless friend and unyielding advocate. It was an honor to serve with Stephanie in Congress, and I know her legacy will live on in all those who walk the trails she blazed and walk through the doors she opened. Our hearts and prayers are with all those who knew and loved her," said Senator Obama.

Obama Campaign Releases New Tax Focused TV Ad

Laurin Manning — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:13:03 EDT

Obama Campaign Releases New Tax Focused TV Ad
Highlights Obama's Plan to Cut Middle Class Taxes Three Times as Much as McCain

CHICAGO - Today, the Obama campaign released a new 30-second TV ad comparing Obama's plan to cut taxes for middle class families and Senator McCain's plan to target billions in tax cuts to big corporations. The ad, Three Times, highlights how Barack Obama will cut taxes for the middle class three times as much as John McCain. While John McCain wants to give big corporations and oil companies hundreds of billions of dollars in tax breaks, he's offering nothing to 100 million Americans. Obama will provide a $1000 tax break for 95 percent of workers and their families, and not raise taxes on families making less the $250,000 a year.

Three Times will air in Colorado, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Virginia beginning today.

Watch Three Times below:

LIVE: Barack in Martinsville, VA

Laurin Manning — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:33:45 EDT

Barack is in Martinsville, VA right now leading a discussion on protecting American jobs. Tune in below:

Morning News

Laurin Manning — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:35:48 EDT

From the Los Angeles Times:

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama defended his patriotism Tuesday, chiding rival Sen. John McCain for impugning his integrity and challenging the Republican to acknowledge that they can disagree without maligning each other.

"I have never suggested that Sen. McCain picks his positions on national security based on politics or personal ambition," Obama told 3,000 members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars here. "I have not suggested it because I believe that he genuinely wants to serve America's national interest. Now it's time for him to acknowledge that I want to do the same."

…Obama said the "calamity" under Bush's leadership was too great to "use the same partisan playbook where we just challenge our opponent's patriotism to win an election."

"I will let no one question my love of this country. I love America, so do you, and so does John McCain," he said.

Noting the resignation of Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, Obama advocated tripling nonmilitary aid to the nation while making sure military aid is targeted to fight the Taliban and Al Qaeda. He called the border region of Pakistan and Afghanistan "the central front in the war on terrorism," where the Taliban is resurgent and Osama bin Laden is thought to be hiding.

…Obama told the veterans that he supported the new GI Bill this year, whereas McCain did not, and pledged to modernize the Department of Veterans Affairs and to provide more medical and mental healthcare.

…On Tuesday evening, Obama kicked off a three-day tour of North Carolina and Virginia, states that supported Bush in 2004 and that Obama hopes to tilt into his column in November.

"Times are tough and getting tougher. It's hard to save, it's hard to retire," Obama told about 2,600 cheering supporters at a town hall meeting at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. "This economy has fundamentally gone off course."

From the Associated Press:

An Indiana railroader, an Iowa mother and a Michigan truck driver are getting a moment at the Democratic convention to help portray Barack Obama as the people's champion.

…The idea is for these "real people," as the campaign calls them, to share personal stories about why they are supporting the Democratic presidential candidate and how they think he will help folks like them and the more than 20 million expected to be watching the convention at home.

…"This convention in Denver is one in which people well known and people not as well known will come together across party lines, across geographic divides, because they believe in change," said Obama spokeswoman Anita Dunn.

…"His message all along is that the ideas have to come from the people," said Candi Schmieder of Marengo, Iowa, a scheduled speaker who said she was turned off by presidential politics until this year because of all "the game playing."

…Mike Fisher, an Amtrak machinist from Beech Grove, Ind., will talk about Obama's visit to his house for a lunch of Subway sandwiches.

"When I saw that motorcade come down the cul-de-sac, I couldn't speak, I couldn't swallow. Within a couple minutes, he put us at so much ease," Fisher said. "I'm just a poor railroader. I've got a small house, and a family I'm trying to raise. Barack and Michelle can relate to that because of their upbringing."

He jokes that his family is the "whole ball of wax" when it comes to Obama's campaign platform he worries about job security, with Amtrak facing tough financial times; two of his children are struggling to pay college loans; his son has a new baby and no health insurance; and his son-in-law is in the National Guard facing possible deployment to Iraq.

From Business Week:

[Kansas Governor Kathleen] Sebelius said Obama would help women more than Republican candidate John McCain when it comes to economic issues.

"Barack Obama has been a very strong champion of equal pay for equal work. Senator McCain, over and over again, has opposed the opportunity for pay equity bills to move through Congress," Sebelius said.

…Sebelius said Obama's health care plan and ideas for creating new high-tech jobs in fields such as alternative energy would be better for women, who will play a large role in deciding who wins the White House.

"There's no question that women in Michigan and Kansas, all over this country, are going to be critical voters in this election," Sebelius said. "They control the purse strings. They are the economic engines of their family."

At a news conference before the town hall and during the meeting itself, the Kansas governor also spoke of her ties to Michigan. She has a family home in the northern Lower Michigan lakefront community of Leland.

"I pay property taxes in Michigan," she said.

She was joined at the Warren event by Michigan Sen. Debbie Stabenow, Democratic National Committee member Debbie Dingell and other female Democratic leaders.

Stabenow said she never has felt more strongly about an election, and she's "not even on the ballot."

From the Youngstown Vindicator:

The campaign of U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, will open an office Thursday here …The office will serve as a hub for campaign activities for Mahoning County. The campaign opened an office in Warren on Saturday. There are more than 40 Obama offices in Ohio.

Campaign statement on recent jump in Producer Price Index (PPI)

Laurin Manning — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:56:45 EDT

Below is a statement from the Obama campaign's economic policy director, Jason Furman, on today's PPI jump - another sign that the economy is failing working families:

"The unexpected jump in the Producer Price Index announced today is just further confirmation of that our economy is failing hardworking American families. This economy may be working for the multi-millionaires that John McCain considers part of the middle class, but with prices rising and wages stagnating, tens of millions of typical American families are falling behind. While Senator McCain continues to stand in the way of short-term assistance for these families, Barack Obama's Emergency Economic Plan would immediately put $1,000 in the pocket of families to help them pay for gasoline and groceries this fall, and would invest $50 billion in immediate measures to save more than one million American jobs. Americans can't afford another four years of a President who ignores the plight of working families because he believes that multi-millionaires are middle class," said Obama Campaign Economic Policy Director Jason Furman.

Morning News

Laurin Manning — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 11:46:18 EDT

From the Associated Press:

The United Auto Workers union has given its expected endorsement to Democrat Barack Obama, while criticizing Republican John McCain as an heir to President Bush's policies.

UAW President Ron Gettelfinger says McCain "is content to rely on the failed policies of President Bush," which Gettelfinger says cost millions of U.S. manufacturing jobs.

...Gettelfinger issued a statement Monday saying Obama "is taking action to support American workers and American companies."

Gettelfinger cites Obama's promise of $4 billion in low-cost financing for automakers to retool to make more fuel-efficient vehicles.

From the Washington Post:

Sen. Barack Obama has detailed a comprehensive space plan that includes $2 billion in new funding to reinvigorate NASA and a promise to make space exploration and science a significantly higher priority if he is elected president.

...While Obama's ambitious plan embraces President Bush's 2004 "vision" to send astronauts to the moon by 2020 and later to Mars -- a plan McCain co-sponsored in the Senate -- the Democratic presidential candidate said the administration's "poor planning and inadequate funding" have undermined the effort and jeopardized U.S. leadership in space.

In particular, he criticized administration policies that will lead to a five-year period after 2010 when "the United States will have to depend on foreign rockets and spacecraft to send Americans to orbit" -- even to the largely U.S.-funded $100 billion international space station.

"As president, I'll make our space program a priority again by devoting the attention and resources needed to not only inspire the world with feats of exploration but also improve life here on Earth," Obama said.

His plan also calls for reestablishing the National Aeronautics and Space Council to coordinate all civilian, commercial and military space programs; the body was in place in earlier decades but disbanded in 1992. As a signal that NASA will be a higher priority for him, Obama said the council would report directly to the president.

From the Concord Monitor:

For $25, Ed Prouty got four minutes with Barack Obama.

Like many others, Prouty has given money to Obama's presidential campaign. But the Atkinson resident made his donation at an opportune time: Prouty has the distinction of being Obama's 2 millionth donor, which landed Prouty a conversation with the candidate himself.

Prouty had no time to prepare for his brief brush with Obama. Before the conversation Friday evening, all he knew was that members of Obama's staff wanted him to dial in to a conference call. But once on the call, Prouty said, "someone said, 'Barack Obama would like to speak with you.' That was it. And then I was talking with Sen. Obama."

In many ways, Prouty is precisely the sort of donor Obama hopes to attract.

There's the fact that Prouty has never before given money to a campaign. He was spurred to contribute $25 after receiving campaign e-mails, one of which explained Obama's efforts to attract 2 million donors. "I just wanted to be a part of that," said Prouty, 63.

...And what does a conversation with Obama sound like?

Last week's phone call - saved online at YouTube.com - began with Obama thanking Prouty. "It's folks like you who really help to make this campaign work," Obama said. "So it's a wonderful symbolic moment for us."

The conversation turned to the economy, as Obama asked Prouty about the state of his industry. "We're just hanging on," Prouty replied, saying that in 25 years in the business, "this is the worst we've ever seen."

Obama then asked Prouty whether there were "any issues you want me to make sure to pay attention to."

"All of them," said Prouty, who listed the economy and air quality before saying, "I'm so nervous, I can't even think. There's so many issues: health care, environmental issues. There's no end to what's gone wrong in the past eight years."

Obama replied with a note of optimism. "We've got a lot of work to do," Obama said. "But I think we've got a great shot."

From the Canton Repository:

More than five months after … the Stark County presidential primary vote … [Obama's] staffers are back in the area, seeking to mobilize local volunteers.

...The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee's campaign said Monday that it will open a general election office in Canton on Wednesday, likely followed by the establishment of offices in Massillon and Minerva. That would be out of at least 56 planned campaign headquarters statewide, according to Obama's Web site.

…An interesting strategic decision by the Obama camp was to set up shop in Minerva, a village of about 3,900 people. It the first time in recent memory that a presidential candidate has set up an office there during a general election season.

Shirla Waller, wife of Minerva Mayor Jim Waller, said it's the most exciting thing politically that's happened in the town since former Vice President Dan Quayle visited several years ago. Obama's logo is already painted on the office's windows, she said.

Former Minerva solicitor Martin Chapman donated the use of the building at 215 N. Market St., said Dixie Wadsworth, a retired nurse and Minerva resident who volunteered for Obama during the Ohio primary

...His campaign field organizer called her last week, seeking her help again. Since then, she's been setting up the office's computers and phone lines and has already helped organize phone banks.

"It's the first time any ... presidential candidate Republican or Democrat has ever paid attention to us in this part of the country," she said.

Sen. Obama's statement on President Musharraf's announcement of resignation

Laurin Manning — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 12:15:07 EDT

Senator Obama issued the following statement on President Musharraf's decision to step down as president of Pakistan:

"President Musharraf has made the right decision to step down as President of Pakistan. It is in the interests of his country and the Pakistani people to end the political crisis that has immobilized the coalition government for too long. I have long said that the central terrorist threat to the United States lies in northwest Pakistan and Afghanistan, and not Iraq. US policy must focus on assuring that all elements of Pakistan's government are resolute in shutting down the safe havens for al Qaeda and the Taliban. There can be no safehaven for terrorists who threaten the American people.

"A year ago, I advocated that the US move from a 'Musharraf policy' to a 'Pakistan policy.' I hope all of Pakistan's friends will now seize the opportunity created by Musharraf's exit to focus on the urgent issues of today: confronting the threat of extremist violence, dealing with food and energy shortages, and helping the Pakistani people build a stable, secure, democratic future," said Senator Obama.

Barack Returns to Pastor Rick Warren's Saddleback Church -- Live at 8 PM EST

Laurin Manning — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 18:56:18 EDT

Two years ago, some folks were surprised when Pastor Rick Warren, a renowned evangelical minister, invited a Democratic senator from Illinois to join him for a World AIDS Day summit with a Republican senator before Warren's traditionally conservative Saddleback Church congregation.

"I've got two friends here, a Republican and a Democrat," Warren explained. "Why? Because you've got to have two wings to fly."

The task of eradicating HIV/AIDS worldwide is simply too great to accomplish without bipartisan cooperation.

Warren led the congregation in a prayer for those suffering from HIV/AIDS around the world and a prayer to rid the world of the deadly disease. He was followed by the Republican senator, Sam Brownback of Kansas, and the Democratic senator, Barack Obama, who both called for bipartisan cooperation in combating HIV/AIDS.

(You can read Barack's remarks before the Saddleback congregation in 2006 here.)

This afternoon, Barack will return to Saddleback Church as the presumptive nominee of the Democratic Party. He will join the presumptive Republican nominee, Senator John McCain of Arizona, in their first overlapping appearance of the general election.

Warren will talk with each of them individually, asking questions about their personal values and how those values would impact decisions they would make as president of the United States.

Barack will speak for the first hour, and Senator McCain will speak for the second hour.

You can watch the video streamed live from Orange County at 8 PM EST tonight here at CNN.com.

Obama Campaign Releases New Video Fact-Check on McCain Tax Lies

Laurin Manning — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:06:48 EDT

The Obama campaign released the following fact-check video to correct the record on Senator McCain's latest attack ad, "Taxman." This latest McCain attack ad continues what an independent, nonpartisan fact checkers have found to be a "pattern of deceit" from Senator McCain's campaign about Senator Obama's record on taxes.

In the video, our Deputy Director of Economic Policy, Brian Deese, walks viewers through the ad's laundry list of lies, and provides the truth about Barack Obama's plan to give Americans a $1,000 energy rebate and to provide middle class families with 3 times the tax relief as they would see under the McCain plan.

Watch the fact-check video below:

Fight the Smears: Unfit for Publication

Laurin Manning — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 19:11:42 EDT

Jerome Corsi is back with a new book of lies -- this time about Barack Obama.

In the Swift Boat smear campaign of 2004, Corsi co-authored a book of distortions and lies about John Kerry.

With his new book, Corsi and his cohorts are rehashing distortions and the same old lies about Barack Obama. These smear-peddlers actively seek to distract Americans from serious issues and to derail the efforts of the millions of people who own a part of this election and are working tirelessly to bring about real change in this country.

Corsi and his cohorts must be stopped.

Read the facts about Corsi and his desperate fabrications here.

Want to push back on Corsi and his smear machine? Join the Obama Action Wire and help spread the truth.

Obama for America Economic Advisors on the Obama Tax Plan

Laurin Manning — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:02:54 EDT

The editorial page of this morning's Wall Street Journal features an op-ed penned by Obama for America Economic Policy Advisor Jason Furman and Senior Economic Advisor Austan Goolsbee. Furman and Goolsbee offer specifics about the Obama Tax Plan in the op-ed. They draw contrasts between the Obama Tax Plan and McCain's tax plan, and they also correct distortions and misinformation about the Obama Tax Plan that have been spread by defenders of the status quo in recent days.

Read an excerpt from the op-ed below:

Both candidates for president have proposed tax plans. But they are starkly different in their approaches and their economic impact. Sen. Obama is focused on cutting taxes for middle-class families and small businesses, and investing in key areas like health, innovation and education. He would do this while cutting unnecessary spending, paying for his proposals and bringing down the budget deficit.

In contrast, John McCain offers what would essentially be a third Bush term, with his economic speeches outlining $3.4 trillion of tax cuts over 10 years beyond what President Bush has already proposed and geared even more to high-income earners. The McCain plan would lead to deficits the likes of which we have never seen in this country. It would take money from the middle class and from future generations so that the wealthy can live better today.

Related Information:

Watch a video of Deputy Economic Policy Advisor Brian Deese debunking recent distortions of the Obama Tax Plan here.

To learn more about the Obama Tax Plan, visit barackobama.com/taxes.

Read Furman and Goolsbee's op-ed in its entirety in the extended entry.

Joint Statement from the Obama and Clinton Press Offices

Laurin Manning — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:18:40 EDT

Statement from the Obama and Clinton Press Offices
August 14, 2008

Since June, Senators Obama and Clinton have been working together to ensure a Democratic victory this November. They are both committed to winning back the White House and to to ensuring that the voices of all 35 million people who participated in this historic primary election are respected and heard in Denver. To honor and celebrate these voices and votes, both Senator Obama's and Senator Clinton's names will be placed in nomination.

"I am convinced that honoring Senator Clinton's historic campaign in this way will help us celebrate this defining moment in our history and bring the party together in a strong united fashion," said Senator Barack Obama.

Senator Obama's campaign encouraged Senator Clinton's name to be placed in nomination as a show of unity and in recognition of the historic race she ran and the fact that she was the first woman to compete in all of our nation's primary contests.

"With every voice heard and the Party strongly united, we will elect Senator Obama President of the United States and put our nation on the path to peace and prosperity once again," said Senator Hillary Clinton.

Senator Obama and Senator Clinton are looking forward to a convention unified behind Barack Obama as the Party's nominee and to victory this fall for America.

Obama Campaign Releases New TV Ad to Air During Olympics

Laurin Manning — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 12:01:55 EDT

Obama Campaign Releases New TV Ad to Air During the Olympics 30-Second Spot Highlights Senator Obama's Plan to Stand Up for the Middle Class

CHICAGO - Today, the Obama campaign unveiled a new ad to run during the Olympics. The ad, "Three Bedroom Ranch," discusses Obama's plan to put the middle class first by growing the economy, ending tax cuts for companies that ship jobs overseas, creating new jobs here at home, investing in education and cutting taxes for working families. Barack Obama will ensure the economic security of middle-class families in the short-term, and restore balance and fairness to our economy; to make sure that Americans aren't just getting by, but getting ahead.

"Three Bedroom Ranch" will air on national cable and broadcast in all 50 states beginning Monday.

Watch the ad below:

Sen. Obama's statement on the passing of AR Democratic Party Chairman Bill Gwatney

Laurin Manning — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 18:54:19 EDT

Below is a statement from Senator Obama on the passing of Chairman Bill Gwatney:

"Michelle and I are heartbroken to hear about the tragic loss of Chairman Bill Gwatney. We're praying for his family and friends and all who worked with him and loved him."

Obama on the shooting at the Arkansas Democratic Party Headquarters

Laurin Manning — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:36:02 EDT

Below is a statement from Senator Obama on the shooting at the Arkansas Democratic Party Headquarters:

"I was shocked and saddened to hear about the tragedy in Arkansas. We're all grateful for the quick action of law enforcement and quick thinking by Chairman Gwatney's staff, and Michelle and I are keeping him and his family in our prayers."

[UPDATE]

At the news of Chairman Gwatney's passing, the Obama campaign released the following statement from Senator Obama:

"Michelle and I are heartbroken to hear about the tragic loss of Chairman Bill Gwatney. We're praying for his family and friends and all who worked with him and loved him."

Obama Campaign Releases New Ad Highlighting Plan to Put America's Middle Class First

Laurin Manning — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 12:19:29 EDT

Obama Campaign Releases New Ad Highlighting Plan to Put America's Middle Class First

30-Second Spot to Air in 16 Battleground States

CHICAGO -- Today the Obama campaign announced a new TV ad focused on the economy to air beginning Thursday in 16 battleground states. The new ad entitled Book highlights Obama's plan to break with the failing economic policies of the past eight years and put America's middle class first. The ad will run in AK, CO, FL, IA, MI, MO, MT, NM, NV, NH, NC, ND, OH, PA, VA, and WI.

John McCain has supported George Bush 95 percent of the time, including spending ten billion dollars a month for the war in Iraq while the Iraqis sell oil for record prices, giving Iraq a $79 billion oil surplus at the expense of America's economy. Barack Obama knows that families need immediate and lasting relief -- that's why he will put America's middle class first. Senator Obama will responsibly end the war in Iraq, restore balance and fairness to our economy, and give working people immediate and meaningful relief.

Watch the ad below:

Former VA Gov. Mark Warner to Keynote Democratic National Convention

Laurin Manning — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:04:33 EDT

This morning the Obama campaign released the following announcement that former Virginia Governor Mark Warner will deliver the keynote address at the 2008 Democratic National Convention.

MARK WARNER TO DELIVER CONVENTION KEYNOTE ADDRESS ON TUESDAY, AUG. 26th

CHICAGO - The Obama for America campaign announced today that former Virginia Governor Mark Warner will deliver the keynote address at the 2008 Democratic Convention on Tuesday, August 26th, the second night of the Convention.

An innovative businessman known for his ability to work with Republicans, Democrats and Independents, campaign officials said that Warner's vision for Virginia and his leadership style echoed the Convention's theme of Americans coming together for change.

"Barack Obama believes you can't have a strong economy when you have a weak middle class," said Obama Campaign Manager David Plouffe. "Millions of Americans are struggling to get by, forced to make impossible choices about their future and the future of their families. Tuesday's Convention program will feature the voices of Americans who share Obama's concerns and strongly support his detailed economic plan to grow the economy, create jobs, restore fairness, and expand opportunity. As Governor of Virginia, Warner used his experience in business to help deliver jobs and hope to the citizens of Virginia. His work creating jobs in Southwest and Southside Virginia is a model for the rest of the Country. Like Barack Obama, Mark Warner is not afraid to challenge the status quo to bring people together and get things moving. It's that kind of spirit and innovation that resulted in his selection as keynote speaker on a night when we will be discussing how to renew America's promise."

Warner, a candidate for the United States Senate in Virginia, will speak on Tuesday night of the Democratic Convention. The theme of Tuesday's night program at the Convention is Renewing America's Promise.

Morning News

Laurin Manning — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 10:01:34 EDT

From the Washington Post:

RICHMOND, Aug. 13 -- Mark R. Warner, the former Virginia governor and a candidate for the U.S. Senate, will deliver the keynote address the second night of the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Democratic party officials announced Wednesday.

It was the convention's keynote speech four years ago that launched presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama to national prominence. Warner's address on Aug. 26 will be broadcast to millions around the United States.

Warner, who considered running for president, is competing against former governor James S. Gilmore III (R) for the Senate seat. He has taken his name out of consideration to be Obama's running mate.

The popular former governor is widely considered the front-runner to replace retiring Republican Sen. John W. Warner in a race that could help further solidify Virginia's gradual shift toward becoming a more Democratic state.

"Like Barack Obama, Mark Warner is not afraid to challenge the status quo to bring people together and get things moving,'' Obama campaign manager David Plouffe wrote in a statement early this morning. "It's that kind of spirit and innovation that resulted in his selection as keynote speaker on a night when we will be discussing how to renew America's promise."

The Aug. 26 convention program will feature speakers who share "Obama's concerns and support his detailed economic plan to grow the economy, create jobs, restore fairness, and expand opportunity," according to the Obama campaign.

"As Governor of Virginia, Warner used his experience in business to help deliver jobs and hope to the citizens of Virginia," Plouffe said. "His work creating jobs in Southwest and Southside Virginia is a model for the rest of the country."

From the Chicago Tribune:

DES MOINES, Iowa - Democrat Barack Obama plans to significantly expand his already large field organizing effort in Iowa, opening 10 additional offices with a focus on rural areas.

The presidential candidate will open six new offices this week, adding four more next week to bring the total number of field offices to 36, Democratic U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin said Tuesday.

"I just wanted to point out that Barack Obama is committed to reaching out and engaging Iowans in rural communities," Harkin said in a conference call with Iowa reporters. "He has held more than 100 town hall meetings in rural Iowa."

New field offices added this week are in Carroll, Grinnell, Indianola, Iowa Falls, Muscatine and Spencer, said Harkin.

"We want to get as many people involved as possible," said Harkin. "We need a president who will stand up for rural America."

… All of the efforts come at a time when Democrats have build a 90,000 person edge in voter registration in Iowa. That's a huge change from 2004, when Republicans outnumbered Democrats by about 8,000 voters.  

"It seems to me there are some big shifts going on in this state," said Harkin. "It seems to me the people of Iowa are saying they want to give the Democrats a chance. The economy is a mess, energy prices are too high."

From USA Today:

Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama plans to organize extensively in Ohio's rural areas and small towns that have long been strongholds for Republican candidates in the key battleground state.

While Obama will also concentrate on the state's heavily Democratic urban areas as he looks to win the state's votes in the November election, his campaign released a document Tuesday outlining the additional strategy.

President Bush won Ohio over Democrat John Kerry four years ago. Gov. Ted Strickland, who represented rural southeast Ohio in Congress for 12 years, said Obama's statewide strategy could at least cut into any advantage his Republican opponent John McCain would have.

Strickland said during a conference call he has advised Obama campaign officials to look at his own and Sen. Sherrod Brown's recent victories as models. He said both had tactics to win votes all across Ohio.

"John Kerry won the major cities and metropolitan areas in our state more than he had hoped to win by. I mean, he did exceedingly well, and he lost the election because of his lack of support in small town and rural Ohio," Strickland said. "That every part of this state is being targeted means that Sen. Obama will not repeat the Kerry mistake."

The Obama campaign's Ohio strategy document entitled "Change Begins in Ohio" includes formation of more than 1,200 neighborhood teams of volunteers, who will focus on a door-to-door conversational approach, said Aaron Pickrell, Obama campaign Ohio director.

Small towns like Middletown and Troy and rural areas like Perry County will have Obama campaign offices to help neighborhood teams, Pickrell said.

In all, 43 campaign offices statewide are either opened or planned.

From the Boston Globe:

With the candidate himself on a Hawaii holiday, Barack Obama's campaign and the national Democratic Party are trying to fill the void today.

His campaign is launching its "Republican for Obama" group to promote his bipartisan appeal. Former US Senator Lincoln Chaffee of Rhode Island, former Congressman Jim Leach of Iowa, and former White House intelligence advisor Rita E. Hauser will help lead the effort.

"[Obama's call for change] is rooted in very old American values that are as much a part of the Republican as the Democratic tradition -- there is an emphasis in individual rights, fairness and balance at home and progressive internationalism," Leach told reporters on a conference call. "And above anything else frankly I am convinced that the nation interest requires a new approach to our interactions with the world… I also have no doubt that a lot of Republicans, independents are going to be attracted to this call for a new era of non-ideological, bipartisan decision-making."

From the Rutland Herald:

WOODSTOCK -- A pair of prominent politicians and supporters of Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign urged Clinton supporters to support Democratic candidate Barack Obama during a rally Sunday night.

About 70 people turned out for the United for Change Potluck Supper at the Woodstock Firehouse, where Madeleine Kunin, former governor, and Gaye Symington, democratic gubernatorial candidate, urged the crowd to back Obama's bid for the White House.

"The whole idea is to unite the Barack-Clinton wings of the party and get somebody in Washington who will bring change and end the war," said event organizer Bob Williamson.

As democrats piled their plates with pasta, meats and salad, Symington circulated with potential voters and discussed her newfound support for Obama.

"I was an early supporter of Hillary Clinton's, but I'm here tonight to help unite people to bring real change," Symington said.

Event organizer Joanne Boyle said Woodstock's rally was "part of a national effort and we felt we should bring everyone together."

A former employee of the Obama campaign, Boyle said she spent several weeks going door-to-door in White River Junction campaigning for Obama.

… [Kunin said] "As a former Hillary supporter, I support Barack Obama, and I don't support him because Hillary does but because I know he will be great for the United States of America."

AP: Former GOP Rep. Leach of Iowa endorses Obama

Laurin Manning — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 13:23:47 EDT

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -- Former U.S. Rep. Jim Leach, a leading Republican moderate with a foreign policy background, is endorsing Democrat Barack Obama for president. The former Iowa congressman's backing was announced Tuesday as part of a group of GOP activists crossing party lines this year. Leach told reporters: "I'm convinced that the national interest demands a new approach to our interaction with the world." Leach added that Obama offers the leadership to do that. Leach lost his bid for another term in office in 2006. He was a foreign service officer before being elected to Congress. Leach predicted that a lot of Republicans and independents are going to be attracted by Obama's campaign.

Read the whole article here.

Daily News-Miner: Fairbanks Mayor Whitaker endorses Obama

Laurin Manning — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:48:13 EDT

FAIRBANKS -- Republican Mayor Jim Whitaker has said he is endorsing Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama. "My goal is to let Republicans have a clear understanding that their right to vote should not be restricted by any party affiliation," the borough mayor said. He said the economic and political challenges facing the state and country are broader than political parties alone can address and suggested Republicans should consider crossing party lines by focusing on the strongest candidate this year.

Read the entire article here.

Statement of Senator Barack Obama on the crisis in Georgia

Laurin Manning — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:18:55 EDT

Now is the time for action -- not just words. It is past time for the Russian government to immediately sign and implement a cease-fire. Russia must halt its violation of Georgian airspace and withdraw its ground forces from Georgia, with international monitors to verify that these obligations are met.

Obama statement on conflict in Georgia

Laurin Manning — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 18:31:45 EDT

Reprinted below is a new statement from Senator Obama today on the conflict in Georgia and four statements he has made on Georgia previously.

Statement of Senator Barack Obama on the Conflict in Georgia
August 11, 2008

Good morning. The situation in Georgia continues to deteriorate because of the escalation of Russia's use of military force. I have spoken to President Saakashvili, and conveyed my deep regret over the loss of life, and the suffering of the people of Georgia.

For many months, I have warned that there needs to be active international engagement to peacefully address the disputes over South Ossetia and Abkhazia, including a high-level and neutral international mediator, and a genuine international peacekeeping force - not simply Russian troops.

No matter how this conflict started, Russia has escalated it well beyond the dispute over South Ossetia and invaded another country. Russia has escalated its military campaign through strategic bombing and the movement of its ground forces into the heart of Georgia. There is no possible justification for these attacks.

I reiterate my call for Russia to stop its bombing campaign, to stop flights of Russian aircraft in Georgian airspace, and to withdraw its ground forces from Georgia. The Georgian government has proposed a cease-fire and the Russian government should accept it. There is also an urgent need for humanitarian assistance to reach the people of Georgia, and casualties on both sides.

The United States, Europe and all other concerned countries must stand united in condemning this aggression, and seeking a peaceful resolution to this crisis. We should continue to push for a United Nations Security Council Resolution calling for an immediate end to the violence. This is a clear violation of the sovereignty and internationally recognized borders of Georgia - the UN must stand up for the sovereignty of its members, and peace in the world.

I welcome the visit of the French and Finnish foreign ministers to Georgia as a first step toward mediation. There should also be a United Nations mediator to address this crisis, and the United States should fully support this effort. We should also convene other international forums to condemn this aggression, to call for an immediate halt to the violence, and to review multilateral and bilateral arrangements with Russia - including Russia's interest in joining the World Trade Organization.

The violence taking place along the Black Sea is just miles from Sochi, the site for the Winter Olympics in 2014. It only adds to the tragedy and outrage of the current situation that Russia has acted while the world has come together in peace and athletic competition in Beijing. This action is wholly inconsistent with the Olympic ideal.

While returning to a pre-August 8 military posture is a necessary first step to resolving this crisis, we cannot tolerate the unacceptable status quo that led to this escalation. That means Russian peacekeeping troops should be replaced by a genuine international peacekeeping force, Georgia should refrain from using force in South Ossetia and Abkhazia, and a political settlement must be reached that addresses the status of these disputed regions.

Going forward, the United States and Europe must support the people of Georgia. Beyond immediate humanitarian assistance, we must provide economic assistance, and help rebuild what has been destroyed. I have consistently called for deepening relations between Georgia and transatlantic institutions, including a Membership Action Plan for NATO, and we must continue to press for that deeper relationship.

The relationship between Russia and the West is long and complicated. There have been many turning points, for good and ill. This is another turning point.
Let me be clear: we seek a future of cooperative engagement with the Russian government, and friendship with the Russian people. We want Russia to play its rightful role as a great nation - but with that role comes the responsibility to act as a force for progress in this new century, not regression to the conflicts of the past. That is why the United States and the international community must speak out strongly against this aggression, and for peace and security.

Previous statements of Senator Barack Obama on the situation in Georgia:

Statement 1
Statement 2
Statement 3
Statement 4

Obama Campaign Features Washington's Biggest Celebrity in New Ad: "Embrace"

Laurin Manning — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 10:18:39 EDT

CHICAGO, IL - The Obama campaign today released a new 30-second television spot highlighting the record of the biggest celebrity in Washington, John McCain. The ad entitled "Embrace" addresses the numerous ways in which the special interests in Washington have embraced John McCain and how McCain has hugged right back, employing lobbyists in top positions and giving tax breaks to oil and drug companies, instead of working to ease the burden on middle-class families.

The ad will begin running on national cable on Tuesday.

You can read Obama's plan to restore faith in Washington HERE.

Watch the ad below.

The buzz from local blogs: Michelle gets it.

Laurin Manning — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 20:15:48 EDT

Photo from Lawyer Mama

Stephanie at Momocrats attended Michelle Obama's roundtable discussion with military family members in Virginia yesterday and blogged about the event.

Michelle ... I'm sorry, I have to call her Michelle. Calling her Mrs. or Ms. Obama seems too impersonal for such a warm woman. Michelle showed a deep understanding for the struggles of military members and their families... Make no mistake. Michelle gets it.

[snip]

Aside from the political purpose of the event, I was struck by Michelle's warmth, candor, and sincerity. I'll save the content of my conversation with Michelle, which was personal in nature... but it only made me determined to do everything I can to get Michelle Obama's husband into office.

Dsvabeachdems at Raising Kaine also covered the event and had this to share:

Michelle made it clear that she is focusing her efforts on military spouses because of the myriad challenges sustaining their families while their spouses are serving. She also proved that she fully grasps the issues raised as she discussed her observations and common concerns raised elsewhere. She has made the effort to hear firsthand the concerns of spouses who must balance work and family under conditions of uncertainty. She made clear her role communicating the information that has informed Senator Obama's vision to support America's military families. "If Barack has the distinct honor of serving as your President, and I have the privilege of serving as your First Lady, I'm going to keep taking your stories to him. Because the Commander-in-Chief doesn't just need to know how to lead the military; he needs to understand what war does to military families, and what he can do to make their lives better."

Matt at Rhode Island's Future invites Ocean Staters to meet with Rhode Island Congressman Patrick Kennedy and Providence Mayor David Cicilline to discuss Barack's new energy plan AND register voters!

Thomas at Blue Indiana shares local headlines from Barack's event with Indiana Senator Evan Bayh yesterday and notes:

Regardless of what happens in speculation-land, this much is now clear: Indiana is on the national radar screen, and more importantly than that, Hoosiers are beginning to take note that only one candidate is taking the time and making the effort to reach out and hear their ideas.

Jeff at Ohio Daily Blog has pictures and a wrap-up of Barack's town hall in Berea, Ohio earlier this week:

When Obama was finally at the podium the crowd spontaneously sang "Happy Birthday," which cracked him up. He thanked and acknowledged a few people in attendance, notably (former) Clinton national co-chair Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones.

[snip]

At the very end, Obama compared his call for energy independence to the nation's quest to go to the moon. The first step is to set goals, he said. "It takes ingenuity to meet them, but we have that." America has not been striving to achieve lofty goals, and has not been listening to the voices of the people. It comes down to whether we "want a government that's accountable to you, or to the special interests."

Obama on the 15th Anniversary of FMLA

Laurin Manning — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 13:15:11 EDT

Today the Obama campaign released the following statement of Senator Barack Obama on the 15th Anniversary of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA):

Statement of Senator Barack Obama on the
15th Anniversary of the Family and Medical Leave Act

Chicago, IL --Senator Obama released the following statement on the 15th Anniversary of the Family Medical Leave Act going into effect.

"Fifteen years ago today, working families everywhere achieved a victory when the Family and Medical Leave Act went into effect. This groundbreaking law helps guarantee that America's workers shouldn't have to choose between their jobs or their health and the health of their families.

"Because of the FMLA, more than eighty million people have been able to take needed time off work to care for themselves or family members. Because of the FMLA, mothers and fathers can take time off work to care for a new baby without fear of being replaced by their employer, a daughter can take time to care for a bedridden father without fear of being reprimanded, and parents can take time to help a child recuperate after surgery without facing interruption in health insurance. And rather than harm employers, the FMLA has led to a boost in profits for many employers.

"As President, I will help fulfill the FMLA's promise. I'll expand the act to cover businesses with 25 or more employees, extending coverage to millions of workers and their families so that they will be able to take time off to care for a baby or an elderly parent - or just have a few hours to attend a parent-teacher conference or take a child to the doctor. I'll also expand permissible reasons for taking time off to include addressing domestic violence and sexual assault.

"And because millions of people a year who are covered by FMLA can't afford to take the time to which they're entitled, I'll assist states in adopting paid-leave systems. Strengthening the Family and Medical Leave Act won't just benefit employers or workers, it will help put the American Dream within reach for hardworking families."

To read Senator Obama's plan to support working families, click HERE .

###

The buzz from local blogs: Happy Birthday, Barack!

Laurin Manning — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 20:32:28 EDT

Rich at Michigan Liberal has coverage from Barack's speech on energy in Michigan today:

In a speech that laid out his proposals for curing our country's addiction to oil, Barack Obama...hit all the rights notes in this struggling state of ours: jobs, jobs, jobs, cars made in Michigan, jobs, and growing companies in the alternative energy sector.

mooncat at Left In Alabama likes Barack's commitment to the space program:

...I'm pleased that Obama realizes that it's important to spend on research and development. Money invested in R&D comes back to you several fold in new technologies, new products and new markets. Innovation is never a bad investment. I don't believe any president since Johnson has supported NASA funding at a level that would realistically get the job done.

Lots of folks -- Matt, Juliana, Dave, Melissa, Grace, From the Left, Jennifer, Kathleen and others -- wish Barack a happy 47th birthday! (And Desmoinesdem has the rundown of every Obama birthday celebration in the Hawkeye State!)

Obama Campaign Releases TV Ad on Obama's New Energy for America Plan

Laurin Manning — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 10:26:02 EDT

Obama Campaign Releases TV Ad on Obama's New Energy for America Plan

30-Second Spot Highlights Senator Obama's Plan to Offset the Costs of Rising Energy and Addresses Oil Industry Contributions to John McCain's Campaign.

CHICAGO - As Barack Obama announces his New Energy for America Plan today, the Obama campaign unveiled a new ad, one that illustrates the clear choice in this election between an approach that keeps us sending billions to oil companies and foreign governments and one that gives middle class families a $1,000 rebate funded by a windfall profits tax on the oil companies. Pocket highlights that for far too long, we've had an energy policy that has worked for the oil companies. Barack Obama believes it's time we had an energy policy that works for the American people.

Today Senator Obama is outlining his New Energy for America plan in a speech in Lansing, Michigan. Obama's plan will provide an immediate energy rebate to Americans struggling with high gas prices, create five million new green jobs, and eliminate our need for Middle Eastern oil in 10 years.

Watch the ad below:

Obama campaign launches LowRoadExpress.com

Laurin Manning — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 20:01:43 EDT

Today the Obama campaign released the following statement on the unveiling of LowRoadExpress.com:

Obama Campaign Launches LowRoadExpress.com

New Website will Fact check and Correct McCain Campaign's False Attacks

CHICAGO, IL - The Obama campaign launched a new website, LowRoadExpress.com, to answer the barrage of false, negative attacks launched by the McCain campaign. "The Low Road Express" is a new website that will document and fact check the McCain campaign's misleading and increasingly negative ads. At LowRoadExpress.com the Obama campaign will correct the record and fact check the barrage of false attacks the McCain campaign continues to launch.

In a March strategy memo from John McCain's campaign manager Rick Davis, McCain pledged to run a "respectful campaign focused on issues". In the past John McCain touted his "straight talk" and "civil" campaigning, but there are no signs of that McCain in this campaign.

With fewer than 100 days before Election Day, Senator McCain and his campaign have increasingly resorted to the low road. The tone of the McCain campaign has drawn criticism and disappointment even from loyal McCain supporters. John Weaver, McCain's former top aide told ABC News that the celebrity ad is "childish," adding that "The new negative strategy reduces McCain."

The media has taken notice that McCain, who started off talking about running an honorable campaign, has fallen back into negative attacks and false statements.

The New York Times says that McCain's campaign is turning into the "Low Road Express," saying that "the candidate who started out talking about high-minded, civil debate has wholeheartedly adopted Mr. Rove's low-minded and uncivil playbook."
In Florida, the St. Petersburg Times says, "The Straight Talk Express has taken a nasty turn into the gutter," and that McCain has gone "from 'straight talk' to a smear campaign.""
The Cincinnati Enquirer, in cooperation with The Canton Repository, The Plain Dealer, The Columbus Dispatch and Dayton Daily News denounced the new McCain ad comparing Obama to celebrities as "dubious" and rated it a zero out of 10 with zero being misleading and 10 being truthful.

"With fewer than 100 days before Election Day, Senator McCain and his campaign have increasingly resorted to the low road," said Obama campaign manager David Plouffe. "Given our enormous challenges from energy and healthcare to our economic and foreign policy challenges, the American people deserve a serious debate. Instead all we've been getting from the McCain campaign are misleading attacks and Paris Hilton and Britney Spears. All of the time the McCain campaign spends attacking Barack Obama is time they are not focusing on helping American families meet the challenges of the 21st century."

The Low Road Express is a new website that will document the McCain campaign's false statements and negative attacks. At LowRoadExpress.com the Obama campaign will correct the record and fact check the barrage of false attacks the McCain campaign continues to launch.

Barack Obama's statement on record Exxon Mobil profits and skyrocketing gas prices

Laurin Manning — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 12:37:14 EDT

Below is a statement from Senator Barack Obama on record Exxon Mobil profits while Americans pay skyrocketing gas prices at the pump:

Perhaps the only thing more outrageous than Exxon Mobil making record profits while Americans are paying record prices at the pump is the fact that Senator McCain has proposed giving them an additional $1.2 billion tax break. While Senator McCain's plan has succeeded in helping his campaign raise over $1 million from oil and gas company executives and employees just last month, it won't lower gas prices or end our dangerous dependence on foreign oil. Instead of an energy policy that reads like an oil-company wish list, it's time to create a new American energy economy by investing in alternative energy, creating millions of new jobs, increasing fuel efficiency standards, and ending the tyranny of oil once and for all," said Senator Barack Obama.

The buzz from local blogs: "The Second Annual State Committee Swelterfest"

Laurin Manning — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 20:28:06 EDT

Mike at Blue Hampshire in (You guessed it!) New Hampshire, blogs about his meeting with fellow Democratic National Convention-goers from the Granite State and shares the emotional experience he had when realizing the significance of the upcoming occasion in Denver.

...(I)t has taken me that long to feel confident in telling friends and family that I was going to be traveling to Denver to be seated with the NH Delegation in order to "blog" about the experience. The magnitude of the event, and my participation in it so unlikely, that part of me did not want to talk about it too much, I was sure that someone would soon wake me up and I would realize it was all a dream.

Driving home through the rain and fog on Rt. 101 the reality began to sink in. I will be in Denver with the people who will nominate Barack Obama to be the Democratic Nominee for President of the United States of America. I'm not ashamed to share that the emotional effects of this realization made the road even more difficult to see.

Adrian at Tondee's Tavern in Georgia recaps the "Second Annual State Committee Swelterfest" at the Macon Centreplex yesterday.

Gov. Dean gave a short, frank speech yesterday to open up the State Committee meeting in Macon. He emphasized the main goal that will help Obama carry Georgia is registering the 500,000 unregistered voters in this state. Personally, I was just glad to see a DNC Chairman who cares about Georgia and understands that we have a different electoral demographic than other potential swing states....

Pat at Rhode Island's Future in Rhode Island enjoyed attending one of over a thousand "Listening to America" platform parties held across the country earlier this month.

If one of the ideas that Barack Obama is trying to put forward in his campaign is that people at the most grassroots level should have a real voice in our country, then he is already winning. Yesterday, in a small back yard in Northern Rhode Island, a dozen folks, most of whom had never met before, got together to suggest ideas that the Democratic Party should put in its 2008 platform....

...(I)f civic participation is going to be for real, it is going to be like what happened in a small back yard on a sunny Saturday afternoon. We didn't finish our list of topics, but it was a great way to enjoy some time with new friends.

Randy at California Progress Report apologizes...for underestimating Barack's appeal in a rural, conservative county!

The Amador Democrats would like to apologize to Amador County Fair goers for underestimating Barack Obama's popularity in our "red" rural county. After less than two days of the four day fair, we ran out of Obama buttons and bumper stickers, leaving many of you unable to show your support. We are truly sorry. For those who missed out on getting their Obama button and stickers, we will be ordering more and will have them available at our headquarters in downtown Jackson.

Running out of the Obama gear was a pleasant surprise. If that isn't an understatement, I don't know what is. ... We ordered what we thought would be plenty of Obama buttons and bumper stickers to last the four days of the fair. Response at our booth outpaced our supply, and we had to say words that surprised even us -- "sold out."

Michelle Obama posts on MomLogic

Laurin Manning — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 19:06:21 EDT

In conjunction with yesterday's Women for Obama luncheon, Michelle Obama wrote a note to the women at MomLogic, an online community for mothers, and shared details from the event.

Here's the intro from Michelle's post...

I'm very excited to join your network of women dedicated to supporting one another and sharing our unique perspectives as moms. We wear so many hats -- wives, mothers, professionals, sisters, friends and citizens, and this forum is so important to discuss issues that matter so much to all of us.

Read the rest of Michelle's note and watch video footage from the event over at MomLogic.

The buzz from local blogs: "Worldwide hope."

Laurin Manning — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 17:35:25 EDT

Barack's speech in Berlin yesterday earned rave reviews among local blogs. Check out what a few of them are saying:

Carnacki at West Virginia Blue:

On Barack Obama's trip overseas in Iraq and in Israel and today in Germany, you could see the hope in the faces of the people gathered to see him.

Obama's message is not that he has the answers. It is that he has the faith that we have the answers and that together we can make the world a better place for all of us.

[snip]

But today you could see it in the faces of those in Berlin. They have hope. And that is powerful.

Jay at Left in the West:

Simply put, awesome. ...

[snip]

The second paragraph I culled was my favorite. It's bald advocacy for the United States as idea, not as race or language or identity. It's ... for the principles of individual liberty and democratic community, and thereby ties us to every other person in the world who's believed to have the same aspirations and right -- as Jefferson put it -- to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Boadicea at Texas Kaos:

It was a masterful speech that offered principles....

Just what the world needed to hear.

Robert at The Albany Project:

Our Democratic nominee Barack Obama delivered an outstanding speech in Berlin yesterday. An estimated 200,000 people came to listen to him.

Is it just me or is Barack making all of us worldwide hope? Not only can we hope for better leadership at home, but our friends throughout the world can hope for a better relationship with the United States.

The buzz from local blogs: "A governing majority that could last a generation"

Laurin Manning — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 19:18:04 EDT

Susan at Reviving Susan showcases the gargantuan canvas she painted for the field office opening in Middletown, Ohio.

Alex at Middletown Ohio Blog has more:

Many Middletown residents believe Barack Obama is the right man for the job. Jean from Preble County said that Obama is "the right man at the right time." The general feeling locally is that people are tired of being "stuck in disappointment." They look at Obama and are encouraged in his belief that the United States can achieve more.

David at Burnt Orange Report in Texas reflects on this year's historic 50 state campaign:

The fact that Barack Obama has staffers in traditionally red states... will make him a more effective leader if he does in fact become president. ...

We would be fools not to try to seize this opportunity to build a governing majority that could last a generation.

David at KY3 Political Notebook in Missouri has details on Obama Ozark Office Openings (occasions sure to be rife with O's).

Liveblogging in Austin: online tools for social networking

Laurin Manning — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:01:03 EDT

Howdy, y'all! Live-blogging from Austin, Texas, where several of us from the campaign's new media team are taking part in Netroots Nation, a gathering of progressive online activists from across the country.

Online Organizers Chris Hughes and Judith Freeman are leading a seminar right now on how the campaign uses social networking tools to spread Barack's message of change and to bolster our field program on the local level.

Chris and Judith talked about the utility of my.barackobama.com and its capacity for spreading information and connecting with voters. They also discussed how the campaign has used external social networks such as MySpace, Facebook, and BlackPlanet and organize in neighborhoods across the country by communicating through Facebook groups, etc.

More updates to come. We'll be live-blogging from the Register for Change event featuring DNC Chair Howard Dean later today. Stay tuned!

**And feel free to leave Texas tips in the comments. We'll be here for a few days and plan to sample some Texas barbeque. And by "sample," I mean consume large quantities of.

New TV AD: "Changing World"

Laurin Manning — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:14:23 EDT

Obama Campaign Releases National TV Ad on New Leadership for a Changing World

30-Second Spot Underscores Barack Obama's Understanding of National Security in a New Century

CHICAGO - As Barack Obama meets with non-proliferation, biological and cyber terrorism experts today, the Obama campaign unveiled a new ad, one that illustrates why Barack Obama is the candidate prepared to confront the 21st century threats to American security. Changing World highlights Senator Obama's record of working across party lines to secure loose nukes as well as his commitment to destroying terrorist networks, rebuilding America's alliances, and stopping the flow of oil money to hostile regimes.

Changing World will air on national cable beginning Thursday.

Today Senator Obama is holding a summit on emerging threats to national security at Purdue University. He will moderate a discussion with Senator Evan Bayh, former Senator and Chairman of the Armed Services Committee, Sam Nunn, along with other terrorism and non-proliferation experts.

Watch "Changing World" below.

For the ad's transcript, read more.

Barack's statement on the announcement that Undersecretary of State William J. Burns will join talks with Iran

Laurin Manning — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:29:40 EDT

Below is a statement from Senator Barack Obama on the Announcement that Undersecretary of State William J. Burns will join talks with Iran:

"I welcome news that the Bush Administration has shifted course and will send an envoy for direct talks as part of the P5+1 with the Iranians in Geneva this weekend. I commend our European allies and other friends on this effort. Now that the United States is involved, it should stay involved with the full strength of our diplomacy. A united front with our friends and allies directly calling on the Iranians to stand down on their illicit nuclear program will maximize the international pressure we can bring to bear and will show the Iranian people that Iran's isolation is a function of its government's unwillingness to live up to its obligations. Iran should live up to its obligations now; by waiting, it will only face greater isolation."

The buzz from local blogs: optimized, not mechanized

Laurin Manning — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 21:53:26 EDT

Lowell at Raising Kaine in Virginia recommends the speech Barack delivered on Iraq today:

This is a great speech, not just on Iraq but on our foreign policy in general. I particularly like what Obama has to say about energy, that "[s]mall steps and political gimmickry just won't do," that "[t]his is not just an economic issue or an environmental concern - this is a national security crisis." Great stuff, check it out!

Desmoinesdem at Bleeding Heartland in Iowa chronicles recent field office openings in the Hawkeye State.

AlanF at Blue Mass Group in Massachusetts writes a thoughtful piece on the importance of canvassing and shares tips for effective canvassing:

We've grown used to e-mail blasts, robocalls, and astroturfing, all tools that clone a single voice so that it can appear to come from everywhere. ... But that's what canvassing is about. It's inefficient. You spend most of your time walking from house to house. The process can be optimized...but it cannot be mechanized. However, that is a good thing for your cause because if canvassing could be mechanized, the process would have been bought long ago by the forces with the most money. It's also a good thing for you.

Above Average Jane in Pennsylvania recently attended a Philadelphia community gathering featuring Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius, and Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm. Above Average Jane summarizes the governors' remarks and shares her own observations.

This was a fun event to attend. The three governors were all great speakers. Granholm was a little fiery. Sebelius was a little quieter but spoke with authority. Napolitano was the most casual speaker. It was really interesting to watch the interplay between them. Moderator McGrath had very little to do as they were very collegial about sharing the microphone and building on/complementing each other's comments. I had a blast.

New TV Ad:"America's Leadership"

Laurin Manning — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 10:21:28 EDT

Obama Campaign Airs New TV Ad: "America's Leadership"

Ad Highlights Obama's Bipartisan Work to Reduce Nuclear Threats

CHICAGO - In advance of U.S. Senator Barack Obama's major speech on the war in Iraq and America's national security priorities, the Obama campaign today released a new television ad entitled America's Leadership. The ad highlights Senator Obama's bipartisan work with U.S. Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN) to stop the smuggling of loose nuclear weapons and Obama's commitment to restoring America's leadership in the world.

America's Leadership will air in Alaska, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Virginia.

Today at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, Obama will outline his strategy for addressing the most pressing threats facing America, which requires bringing the war to a responsible end, finishing the fight in Afghanistan, and pursuing our broader strategic objectives in the world.

Watch the video below:

For a full transcript of the ad, read more.

Excerpts from today's online policy chat about women's economic security

Laurin Manning — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 18:48:40 EDT

This afternoon on the Obama headquarters' blog, three top policy advisors to the campaign -- Deputy National Policy Director Danielle Gray, Domestic Policy Director Neera Tanden, and Economic Policy Advisor Brian Deese -- joined readers in an online chat about Barack's economic security plan for women, which he discussed earlier this week in a town hall meeting in Fairfax, Virginia. (In conjunction with the event, the campaign rolled out a report on the impact the Obama economic plan would have on American women.)

Below are some of the exchanges between readers and the policy advisors.

Miss Mary writes:

...Have you discussed bridge programs for parents who work part time or in volunteer programs with young children, so that they can transition back into full time work? Specifically recruitment programs or tax incentives to hire them?

Christine writes:

I'm a former trial lawyer who left my job when I had my first child because I was offered 2 weeks of paid maternity leave, and no part time work upon my return (I works an average of 60 hours a week). It would be great if part of that "bridge" was mandatory part-time options.

Brian responds:

Hi Miss Mary and Christine:

Great questions. This is an important issue, and one that Senator Obama is really focused on. One of the things he would do is extend the Family Medical Leave Act to cover more employers. As you point out, in its current form millions of employees are not even protected from being fired for taking maternity leave. Senator Obama has committed to expanding the FMLA to cover smaller employers, and also to ensure that the FMLA covers all of the following circumstances:

• workers taking leave for elder care needs.
• parents taking 24 hours of leave each year to participate in their children's academic activities at school.
•leave to be taken for purposes of caring for individuals who reside in the home for 6 months or more.

Mrs. W asks:

What can we SPECIFICALLY ask for legislators to change for companies showing disparities in payrolls drawn on racial and gender lines?

Danielle answers

Thanks for the question.

As Barack said in his speech yesterday, the gender gap is unfortunately even wider for women of color -- particularly African American women and Latinas.

It's hard to pinpoint a single reason why this is so, but economists have identified a number of explanations,including employment discrimination, the overrepresentation of women in low-paying fields, and different choices made by men and women with respect to work/family balance.

Barack's plan will help close this gap by taking a number of steps. First, he wills sign into law the Fair Pay Restoration Act, legislation that he introduced with a bipartisan group of Senators to overturn last year's Supreme Court decision that made it harder for women to file pay discrimination claims after they become victims of discriminatory compensation.

Second, Barack will increase funding for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Office of Federal Contract Compliance. This support will help strengthen enforcement at the nation's leading civil rights agencies by providing the resources and staff necessary to process charges filed and effectively remedy equal pay violations.

Third, Barack will help propmote policies such as paid leave and flexible work schedules to help women better balance work and family, and increase their participation in the workforce.

Finally, by increasing the minimum wage and indexing it to inflation, Barack will help close the gender gap for low-wage working women.

Taken together, these steps will move us closer to equal pay.

Stephen asks:

...Barack has said he will pay as he goes. Is there a specific way of expressing this now? ...(H)ow do we deflect the general argument that no matter who is elected we will face a larger deficit going out than we now have?

Brian responds:

Stephen: What you can say is that Senator Obama has shown throughout the entire campaign exactly how he would pay for all his new initiatives. He's been specific, and he's made tough choices. This is an indication of the type of responsibility he'd bring to governing.

Where will the money come from? Again, he's been specific -- he will end the Iraq war, cut wasteful spending including overpayments to HMOs in medicare and excessive subsidies to student loan companies, close corporate and international tax loopholes, and roll back the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans.

The independent groups that have looked into our budget numbers have found that they add up -- that these savings will cover our new investments in healthcare, infrastructure, education and other vital areas while helping to reduce the deficit.

Kim writes:

...I want to know more about the woman business owners, getting help with contracts because in my field, its impossible. ...

Danielle responds:

Dear Kim,

Happy Friday. Unfortunately, your experience is shared: too many women have difficulty accessing government contracts. That's why one of Barack's proposals calls for implementing the Women Owned Business Contracting Program -- a program designed to increase the participation of women who want to compete for federal contracts that was signed into law by President Clinton, but never implemented under the Bush Administration. To find out more about how female businessowners like yourself will benefit from Barack's plans, click here.

Tiffany asks:

I noted that Sen. Obama has proposed expanding after school care programs. I live in NYC and most working moms can hardly afford child care for pre-K children. In fact, pre-K is not available to everyone and is by lottery. For example, in my neighborhood, 90 kids applied for 36 pre-K seats. What specific plans does Sen. Obama have to make pre-K universal and available to all?

Neera responds:

Pre-k is essential to ensuring children enter school ready to learn AND helping parents balance work and family. That is why Senator Obama has a bold plan to provide universal access to high quality pre-k programs, investing billions of dollars a year to do so. His initiative builds on what's working in the states to ensure all families have access to good, high quality pre-k program for their children.

Maeabr shares:

I make less than $30,000 a year, and already only pay less than $1000 in fed tax, so cutting that won't make a lot of difference. Is there anything in the plans that will make rents lower, and electric bills? The electric bills during the winter is what causes me to go in the hole every year, and then nearly imposible to get out before the next winter sets in! I'm a single mom, one child just moved out, and the other just turned 18 and trying to get him in jr college in sept.

Brian responds:

Marti: there are a number of components of the Obama plan that will address your situation.

First, he thinks we need to pass a second round of stimulus. With soaring gas prices and six months of job loss, he doesn't think we can wait 6 months to change course. He'd offer a second round of energy rebates for families like yours, as well as help for people facing foreclosure.

His broader tax agenda is aimed to help you as well. He'd institute a Making Work Pay tax credit of $500 per worker, and that credit would be refundable. So you could access it even if you do not make enough to pay income taxes.

He'd also substantially expand the EITC and the child care tax credit.

Finally, he'd make the "Savers Credit" refundable, so it would provide a 50 cent match on every dollar that you save in a retirement account.

Live chat with Obama policy advisors about Barack's plan for women's economic security

Laurin Manning — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:50:17 EDT

Yesterday Barack led a town hall meeting on economic security for America's women in Fairfax, Virginia. In conjunction with the event, the campaign rolled out a report on the impact the Obama economic plan would have on American women. (Watch the speech here.) Also, this week Michelle Obama talked with women in Pontiac, Michigan and Kansas City, Missouri about women's economic security. (Check out local blog coverage of the sessions here and here.)

This afternoon at 2 PM Eastern/1 PM Central, the Obama for America blog will feature a dialogue on Barack's economic plan with particular emphasis on economic security for women. Campaign Deputy National Policy Director Danielle Gray, Domestic Policy Director Neera Tanden, and Economic Policy Advisor Brian Deese will field questions for approximately 45 minutes in the comments section below.

***Leave your questions in the comments section below.***

[UPDATE: The chat is now closed. Thanks for all of your questions, and thanks to Danielle, Neera, and Brian for participating. We'll have another policy chat on the blog soon.]

Click on the extended entry for details about Barack's plan for women's economic security in America. Read more.

The buzz from local blogs: Tweeted!

Laurin Manning — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 21:21:20 EDT

Michelle Obama poses for a picture with a supporter in Missouri. Photo by Michael Bersin.

Michael at Show Me Progress captures great photo footage of Michelle Obama's discussion with Missouri women in Kansas City today.

Minehaha and Alexa at Michigan Messenger provide in-depth coverage of Michelle Obama's visit to Pontiac, Michigan yesterday.

Minehaha writes:

Evelyn Humphrey of Bloomfield Township thought Michelle was already taking charge as the first lady. "She's already doing it. People see her in a polka-dot dress and they get a polka-dot dress. She's a natural leader. And she's intelligent. She's up on history, on politics. She's what I picture when I picture a strong woman."

Desmoinesdem at Bleeding Heartland shares the latest on Obama campaign office openings and canvassing opportunities in the Hawkeye State.

For those Virginians unable to attend Barack's town hall meeting in Fairfax today, Teacherken at Raising Kaine captures nearly every moment of the event. (Ever consider teaching a typing class, Teacherken? Many a law student would pay to have your keystrokes per minute. Impressive!)

Celtic Diva in Alaska posts pictures from the office opening at the Alaska state Obama campaign headquarters in Anchorage.

Twittering MOMocrat Julie in Missouri like Barack's economic security plan for women:

One hour ago, I got a tweet* from Barack Obama:

"In New York, NY. At an event with Senator Clinton and Caroline Kennedy. . ."

I love saying that: Obama tweeted me. I especially love it today because he's in good with me based on his "Plan for Economic Security for America's Working Women." (You can read the entire plan by clicking to open this PDF....)

*For the non-twitterers out there, a "tweet" is a message on Twitter. Follow Barack on Twitter here.

Barack's statement on the Strickland in-state tuition plan for veterans

Laurin Manning — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 20:53:27 EDT

CHICAGO, IL - Barack Obama issued the following statement Wednesday in response to Gov. Ted Strickland's plan to charge in-state tuition to all veterans attending college on the G.I. bill at Ohio's public universities.

"I applaud the State of Ohio which under Governor Ted Strickland has acknowledged the service of our veterans and their families and recognized the importance of higher education. This plan makes all veterans, their spouses and dependants "Honorary Ohioans" providing them in-state tuition rates for Ohio's 36 state colleges and universities. This initiative honors our compact with our veterans and is a model for the nation."

Click here to join Veterans for Barack Obama.

Barack's remarks from Fairfax, VA today

Laurin Manning — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:21:30 EDT

In Fairfax, Virginia today Barack led a town hall meeting on economic security for America's women.

Barack's prepared remarks are reprinted below.

Senator Barack Obama - as prepared for delivery
Women's Economic Security Town Hall
Fairfax, VA
Thursday, July 10, 2008

It's great to be back in Virginia today and to have this opportunity to discuss some of the economic challenges women are facing.

Now, I come to this conversation not just as a candidate for President, but as the father of two young daughters who will one day have careers and families of their own. I come to it as a son, a grandson, and a husband who's seen the women in my own life confront so many of these challenges themselves.

Growing up, I saw my mother, a young single mom, put herself through school, and follow her passion for helping others while raising me and my sister. But I also saw how she struggled to provide for us, worrying sometimes about how she'd pay the bills.

I saw my grandmother, who helped raise me, work her way up from a secretary at a bank to become one of the first women bank vice presidents in the state. But I also saw how she ultimately hit a glass ceiling - how men no more qualified than she was kept moving up the corporate ladder ahead of her.

And I've seen my wife, Michelle, the rock of the Obama family, juggle jobs and parenting with more skill and grace than anyone I know. But I've also seen how it tears at her. How sometimes, when she's with the girls, she's worrying about work - and when she's at work, she's worrying about the girls. It's a feeling I share every day - especially these days, when I'm away so much on the campaign trail.

It's something I hear all the time from working parents, especially working women - many of whom are working more than one job to make ends meet.

And then there are the jobs you have once the workday ends: whether it's cleaning the house or paying the bills or buying the groceries, helping with that science project or enforcing those bedtimes. The jobs you don't get paid for, but that hold our families together. Jobs that still, even in the year 2008, far too often fall to women.

But let's be clear: the issues we're talking about today are by no means just women's issues.

When a job doesn't offer family leave, that also hurts men who want to help care for a new baby or an ailing parent. When there's no affordable childcare or afterschool programs, that hurts children who wind up in second rate care, or spending afternoons alone in front of the TV. When women still make just 77 cents for every dollar men make, that doesn't just hurt women, it hurts families who find themselves with less income, and have to work even harder just to get by.

We take it for granted that women are the backbone of our families, but we too often ignore the fact that women are also the backbone of our middle class. And we won't truly have an economy that puts the needs of the middle class first until we ensure that when it comes to pay and benefits at work, women are treated like the equal partners they are.

So you'd think solving these problems would be one of our highest national priorities. But while some politicians in Washington make a lot of noise about family values, when it comes to what people actually need to support their families, and care for their families, and spend time with their families - they get awfully quiet, don't they? And year after year, it just gets harder for working parents - especially working women - to make a living while raising their kids. That's why it's time for Washington to change.

Now, Senator McCain is an honorable man, and we all deeply respect his service to our country. But when you look at our records and plans on the economic issues that matter most for women, it becomes very clear that he won't bring the change we need - while I will.

That starts with acknowledging the economic difficulties so many women are facing right now. Senator McCain, however, has said that we've made "great progress" on the economy. And Senator Phil Gramm, a top economic advisor to Senator McCain, just recently said that this is merely "a mental recession." Senator Gramm then deemed the United States - and I quote - "a nation of whiners." This comes after Senator McCain recently admitted that his energy proposals will have mainly "psychological" benefits.

Well, you know, America already has one Dr. Phil. When it comes to the economy, we don't need another.

Let's be clear, when people are struggling with the rising costs of everything from gas to groceries, when we've lost 438,000 jobs over the past six months, when typical families have seen their incomes fall nearly $1,000 since 2000, this economic downturn isn't in our heads. It isn't whining to ask for more than just psychological relief.

And I think it's time we had a President who doesn't deny our problems - or blame the American people for them - but takes responsibility and provides the leadership to solve them. That's the kind of President I will be.

Senator McCain and I also have a real difference on the issue of equal pay for women.

In 2008, when 62 percent of working women in America earn half - or more than half - of their family's income, you'd think we'd be united in our determination to close the pay gap and ensure women are paid fairly for their work.

But Senator McCain thinks the Supreme Court got it right last year when they handed down a decision making it harder for women to challenge pay discrimination at work. He opposed legislation that I co-sponsored to reverse that decision. He suggested that the reason women don't have equal pay isn't discrimination on the job - it's because they need more education and training.

Well let's be clear: the problem in these kinds of cases isn't that women are somehow unqualified or unprepared for higher-paying positions. The problem is that some employers aren't paying women fairly. The problem is that too many women aren't able to challenge employers who are underpaying them.

And this isn't just an economic issue for millions of Americans and their families. It's a question of who we are as a country - of whether we're going to live up to our values as a nation.

That's why I stood up for equal pay in the Illinois State Senate, and helped pass a law to give 330,000 more women protection from paycheck discrimination. That's why I've been fighting to pass legislation in the Senate, so that employers don't get away with shortchanging hardworking women.

And that's why I'll continue to stand up for equal pay as President. Senator McCain won't - and that's a real difference in this election.

As the son, grandson and husband of hard-working mothers, I also don't accept an America that makes women choose between their kids and their careers.

It's unacceptable that women are denied jobs or promotions because they've got kids at home. It's unacceptable that 22 million working women don't have a single paid sick day. It's unacceptable that millions of working mothers could actually be fired for taking maternity leave - and that 78 percent of workers who have family leave can't afford to take it because it's not paid.

No matter what you do for living - I think we can all agree that raising our children and caring for our loved ones is the most important job we have. And it's time we started making that job a little bit easier, especially for working women.

That means giving folks a hand with childcare - from expanding the childcare tax credit to an additional 7.5 million working moms, to providing afterschool and summer learning opportunities for an additional three million children, to investing $10 billion to give every child access to quality, affordable early childhood education.

It means dramatically expanding the Family and Medical Leave Act to reach millions of additional workers - and I'll ensure that it doesn't just cover staying home with a new baby, but also lets you take leave to care for your elderly parents and participate in school activities like parent-teacher conferences and assemblies.

It means standing up for paid leave - so I'll invest $1.5 billion to help create paid leave systems across America - and I'll require employers to provide all their workers with at least seven paid sick days a year. Senator McCain has no clear plan to expand paid leave and sick leave - and that's a real difference in this election.

Finally, we've got to do more to help folks at the bottom of the ladder climb into the middle class.

So many working women today are living right on the edge. I met a woman a few weeks ago in New Mexico who told me she works two jobs - at a restaurant and a hair salon - but the last time she saw a doctor was ten years ago, because she didn't have insurance, and couldn't afford an appointment. She later said, "This is a pretty hard life. I just want to figure out how we get out of this box."

When you're working that hard, life shouldn't be that hard. You shouldn't feel trapped.

That's why, while Senator McCain wants to continue the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans who don't need them and didn't ask for them, I'll pass a tax cut of up to $1,000 per working family.

And I'll expand the Earned Income Tax Credit so that no one working fulltime winds up living in poverty. That's what I did in the state senate, bringing together Democrats and Republicans to provide more than $100 million in tax relief for struggling families across Illinois.

Unlike Senator McCain, I'll make sure the minimum wage rises each year to keep up with rising costs - it'll be $9.50 by 2011, giving 8 million women a well-deserved raise.

Unlike Senator McCain, I'll work as a partner with our unions, because we know that when it comes to standing up for women's rights in the workplace, our unions are second to none - and it's time we starting giving them the support they deserve.

And unlike Senator McCain, I'll make sure every working woman has the chance to not just get by, but get ahead - to save, invest, build a nest egg, and provide a better life for their children. I'll cut the capital gains rate to zero to help women small business owners grow their businesses and create jobs. And for the nearly two-thirds of working women who have no 401(k), I'll provide automatic, portable retirement savings accounts that will help them build up the wealth they need for a secure retirement.

These are the real differences in this election. And my policies add up to real relief for working women. Here in Virginia alone, 2 million working women will get a $500 tax cut; 215,000 will receive child care assistance; and 200,000 women entrepreneurs won't have to pay any capital gains taxes.

In the end, though, the conversation we're having isn't just about policies and plans. It's also about our most fundamental values - that when you work hard, you should be paid fairly and be able to retire with dignity; that we rise and fall together - and there are no second class citizens in our workplaces; that both work and family should be part of the American Dream.

As hard as it is for me to be away from my own daughters so much, that's what I think about when I have the chance to tuck them in at night. How I want my daughters - and all our daughters - to have no limits on their dreams, no obstacles to their achievement, no opportunities beyond their reach. That's why I'm running for President.

And I hope all of you will join our campaign. I hope you'll help us make calls and knock on doors and sign up today to be a precinct captain and leader in this effort. I can't do it without your help.

Thank you.

Barack to visit Virginia and discuss economic security for America's women

Laurin Manning — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 11:23:02 EDT

Barack will be in Fairfax, Virginia today, where he'll lead a town hall meeting on economic security for America's women. Visit va.barackobama.com for the latest coverage of the event.

In conjunction with the town hall, the campaign has rolled out a report on the impact of the Obama economic plan for America's working women nationwide and across the 50 states. For details on the report, check out the media release below.

Obama Campaign Releases 50 State Report on The Impact of the Obama Economic Plan for Working Women

CHICAGO, IL - Today, the Obama for America campaign released a report on the impact of the Obama economic plan for America's working women nationwide and across the 50 states. Senator Barack Obama will host a Town Hall Meeting on Economic Security for America's Women today in Fairfax, Virginia.

Unlike the Obama plan, Senator John McCain's record of opposition to issues that affect women and his economic plan will mean another four years of the failed economic policies of the Bush Administration that have hurt American families and made life harder for working women.

The full report is available HERE.

In summary, Barack Obama's plan will:

Provide a New "Making Work Pay" Tax Cut of Up to $500 per Person, or $1000 Per Family, to 71 Million Working Women.

Give 8.4 Million Working Women a Raise of up to $4,700 per year, by Increasing the Minimum Wage to $9.50 by 2011.

Expand the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to Benefit at Least 5 Million Working Women and Help Ensure That Low-Wage Working Parents Are Not Forced to Raise Their Children in Poverty.

Extend Child Care Tax Breaks to 7.5 Million Additional Working Women. A working mother with two kids earning $50,000 a year will receive a $2,100 child care tax cut under the Obama plan.

Provide High-Quality Afterschool and Summer Learning Programs to An Additional 2 Million Children. The Obama plan will expand afterschool programs to serve an additional 1 million students and summer learning programs for 1 million students.

Provide 7 Days of Paid Sick Leave to 22 Million Working Women.

Fight to Close the Gender Wage Gap that Has Women Earning 77 Cents for Every Dollar Earned By Men. This gap is even more pronounced for African American and Latina women.

Increase Retirement Savings Opportunities for the 45 Million Working Women Who Lack an Employer Retirement Account, by providing them with a new Automatic Workplace Pension and providing a $500 matching tax credit for their savings.

Help 8.7 million women business owners grow their businesses and create jobs, by setting capital gains rates to zero for small business and entrepreneurial ventures.

Offer quality affordable health care to the 21.5 million women who lack health insurance.

UPDATE: Read Barack's remarks from Fairfax here.

Barack's statement on Iranian missile testing

Laurin Manning — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:19:28 EDT

Barack made the following statement on the testing of long-range missiles in Iran today:

These missile tests demonstrate once again that we need to change our policy to deal aggressively with the threat posed by the Iranian regime. Through its nuclear program, missile capability, meddling in Iraq, support for terrorism, and threats against Israel, Iran now poses the greatest strategic challenge to the United States in the region in a generation. Now is the time to work with our friends and allies, and to pursue direct and aggressive diplomacy with the Iranian regime backed by tougher unilateral and multilateral sanctions. It's time to offer the Iranians a clear choice between increased costs for continuing their troubling behavior, and concrete incentives that would come if they change course.

As these tests have reaffirmed, the threat from Iran's nuclear program is real and it is grave. As President, I will do everything in my power to eliminate that threat, and that must begin with direct, aggressive, and sustained diplomacy.

To learn more about Barack's foreign policy plans, click here.

The buzz from local blogs: "A truly national campaign"

Laurin Manning — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 21:36:41 EDT

The Buzz features content from local blogs around the country. Are you covering the campaign on your blog? Share your URL with us in the comment section, and we'll check out your corner of the blogosphere!

Thomas at Blue Indiana describes the enthusiasm over races at all levels in the Hoosier State and celebrates Barack's commitment to building a campaign organization in every single state -- even traditionally "red" states like Indiana!

This year looks to bring another opportunity for gains, with races in the 3rd and the 4th popping up on many national lists as races to watch. Couple that with a competitive gubernatorial contest and races for attorney general and superintendent of public instruction, and it is easy to see why so many are excited at the prospect of the Obama campaign dedicating resources to turn out voters in November.

...This presidential contest is shaping up to be a face-off between a targeted campaign of yesteryear and a truly national campaign. I don't need to tell you who my money is on.

Veteran blogger and first-time videographer Hotflash at Show Me Progress in Missouri posts a recap of Barack's visit to the AME Conference in St. Louis last weekend.

When the speech ended, I rode the Metrolink home, sitting next to a 65 year old black man, a retired ninth grade Social Studies teacher named Stan.... He told me he never thought he'd live to see the day that the Democratic nominee was a black man. When he said goodbye, he asked me to write something that would help Obama get elected.

That's a tall order. I just do what I can. I'm one of hundreds of thousands of people doing what they can to get Obama elected.

Philgoblue at West Michigan Rising has a thorough round-up of all things Obama in the Wolverine State ... (Well, all things Obama on the left side of the mitten!)

Share your thoughts on Barack's address before LULAC

Laurin Manning — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 17:49:50 EDT

I marched with you in the streets of Chicago to meet our immigration challenge. I fought with you in the Senate for comprehensive immigration reform. And I will make it a top priority in my first year as President - not only because we have an obligation to secure our borders and get control of who comes in and out of our country. And not only because we have to crack down on employers who are abusing undocumented immigrants instead of hiring citizens. But because we have to finally bring undocumented immigrants out of the shadows.

- Barack Obama before the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)

What did you think of the speech? Learn more about Barack's policies relating to Latino Americans by reading the Latino Blueprint for Change. And you can join Latinos for Obama here.

The buzz from local blogs: "Grassroots stuff is cool."

Laurin Manning — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 20:13:16 EDT

John at Into the Fuzz in California shares pictures of homemade Obama signs adorning lawns and cars in his neighborhood.

Ever since my post about the Obama car from a few weeks ago, I've been noticing homemade Obama signs everywhere. It's a pretty fascinating phenomenon (to me, at least).... Grassroots stuff is cool.

Rashid at As I See It in Plainsfield, New Jersey shares photos and videos from Independence Day in Plainsfield, where he and a group of Obama supporters marched on Barack's behalf in the parade. (Check out one supporter's yard-sign-turned-blouse. Effective messaging...and waterproof! Tres chic.)

Cedarbeam compiles a YouTube slideshow of shots taken from an Obama ~~house party~~ island party in Washington State.

22 people attended an Obama house party June 28th on a remote island in the Pacific Northwest that has just 5 year-around residents. At least half a dozen republicans were among the attendees. ...

The house party was followed by an Obama beach party in a location of incomparable beauty, underscoring the importance of getting back on track protecting the environment.

The buzz from local blogs: "A level of seriousness"

Laurin Manning — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 15:21:38 EDT

Hey folks, we're introducing a new series here on the blog. The Buzz will feature content from local blogs around the country. Are you covering the campaign on your blog? Share your URL with us in the comment section, and we'll check out your corner of the blogosphere!

Flackattack at Tondee's Tavern in Georgia offers a glimpse of voter registration in Forsyth County:

Tonight, in the reddest county in Georgia, an Obama fellow showed up with at least 6 other volunteers to work the Cumming Fairgrounds before the fireworks show. They were all young, good looking, well dressed people. And they came toting clipboards.

... These young kids plastered dozens of people with Obama stickers and otherwise fanned out to register voters and sign up volunteers. Let's just say they didn't come up empty. The fellow was on his second signup sheet when I left. Who knows how many others got signed up. It was professional. It was a clinic.

I'm not sure I can even adequately describe how completely foreign this is to Forsyth County. Yet, there they were, delivering a bit of presidential campaign reality to a place that gave Kerry little more than 18% of the vote in 2004.

A level of seriousness people.

Rob at Raising Kaine in Virginia provides information on Independence Day volunteering opportunities with the campaign in Old Dominion.

And Michael at Show Me Progress has a nice round-up of coverage and photos from Barack's recent visit to Independence, Missouri.

Happy Independence Day, y'all!

A Call to Serve

Laurin Manning — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:25:45 EDT

Barack travels to Colorado Springs, CO today, where he will discuss his plan for national service. As president, Barack will ask us to be active citizens and take part in addressing the challenges we face both at home and abroad.

You can watch Barack's speech live at approximately 11:00 AM Mountain Time.

Here are some details from Barack's plan...

Encourage military service:

There is no challenge greater than the defense of our nation and our values. Our military has answered brilliantly when called, even as that call has come too often. But we need to ease the burden on our troops--and that's why Barack Obama will call on a new generation of Americans to join our military, and complete the effort to increase our ground forces by 65,000 soldiers and 27,000 Marines.

To maintain a sacred trust with all who put on the uniform of the United States, Obama will provide them with the equipment needed to complete their mission safely, and deployments that allow adequate time back home. They must see that we'll care for our military families while they're deployed, and that we're providing our veterans with thesupport, benefits, and opportunity that they have earned when they return home.

Create new opportunities for Americans to serve--and tackle our national challenges:

As President, Barack Obama will expand AmeriCorps to 250,000 slots and make that increased service a vehicle to meet national goals like providing health care and education, fighting climate change and restoring our standing in the world.

He'll send more college graduates to teach and mentor our young people and call on Americans to join an Energy Corps to work on renewable energy projects in their communities. And he'll launch an initiative to give our veterans the training they need to succeed in the green jobs of the future.

Obama will also grow our Foreign Service, open consulates that have been shuttered, and double the size of the Peace Corps by 2011 to renew our diplomacy.

Invest in social innovation:

While the federal government invests billions in research and development for the private sector, there is no similar effort to support non-profit innovation. Meanwhile, there are ideas across America that could benefit millions if they're given the chance to grow.

As President, Obama will launch a new Social Investment Fund Network so that we can get the grass roots, the foundations, the faith-based organizations, the private sector, and the government to come to the table and learn from our own success stories. He'll invest in ideas that work; leverage private sector dollars to encourage innovation; and expand successful programs to scale.

Build service into education:

Barack Obama believes that we need to integrate service into education, so that young Americans are prepared to be active citizens. And Study after study shows that students who serve do better in school, are more likely to go to college, and more likely to maintain that service as adults.

Obama will set a goal for all American middle and high school students to perform 50 hours of service a year, and for all college students to perform 100 hours of service a year. This means that by the time you graduate college, you'll have done 17 weeks of service.

To help accomplish that goal, Obama will require 100 hours of annual public service from every recipient of the $4,000 college tax credit that he's proposed. That bargain will ensure sure that college is affordable for every single American, while preparing our nation to compete in the 21st century.

Barack to outline plans for partnering with communities of faith

Laurin Manning — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:19:02 EDT

Barack will be in Zanesville, OH today, where he will discuss his plan for creating partnerships between government and faith-based and other nonprofit community groups to provide services to the needy. Under an Obama Administration, these groups will serve as active partners in renewing America. Click here to read the plan.

As president, Barack Obama will establish a new President's Council for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships within the White House. The Council will work to engage faith-based organizations and help them abide by the principles that federal funds cannot be used to proselytize, that they should not discriminate in providing their services, and they should be held to the same standards of accountability as other federal grant recipients. The Council will:

Train the Trainers to enable local faith-based organizations to learn best practices, grant-making procedures and service delivery so that they can better apply for and use federal dollars.
Partner with State and Local Offices so that federal efforts build on successes made at the state and local level.
Hold Recipients Responsible by conducting rigorous performance evaluation, researching what works well and disseminating best practices.
Close the Summer Learning Gap by focusing faith-based and community-based efforts on summer learning programs for 1 million children.

Voices from contributors around the country

Laurin Manning — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 21:58:29 EDT

The deadline for donating to the campaign during this crucial June financial reporting period is today! (Don't forget to give before midnight!) Individuals from every state are sharing their hard-earned money to fuel this movement for change. Check out some of their reasons for supporting Barack and contributing to his campaign:

Jack from Orlando, FL spends his days working to ensure that parking lots, buildings, and other facilities are accessible to individuals with disabilities. Jack contributed $25 to the campaign today.

Everyone knows that we need change, but someone's finally accepting responsibility for that change in a way that we haven't seen in a long time. I appreciate Obama's fresh tone and his hard stance on the war, which he took at a time when it wasn't the popular thing to do. He's smart, he's got an awesome family, and he's got a great wife!

Valeria from Morrow, GA is a hair care specialist. She contributed $25 today.

I have the most hope in what he will do more than any other candidates. I think he is a part of doing something different in the United States. He inspires me.

Brian from Flagstaff, AZ is a teacher's aide during the day and a part-time musician and songwriter. He gave $25 today.

I'm from Arizona and I've heard McCain's name for years. But he's part of the same old political machine, everything Barack's talking about changing. I think Barack is absolutely the best thing that's come in decades.

A stay-at-home mom from Evergreen, CO, Marcia was moved to donate to Barack's movement even though she has never given money to a political campaign before. Having two young sons, Marcia says the ongoing war is the issue that concerns her the most. Barack's strong opposition to the war was key to Marcia's decision to contribute to the campaign. She also believes Barack is best suited to bring about solutions to the struggling economy and rising gas prices.

I have 11 and 13 year old boys and live in a rural community where I have to drive them wherever they need to go. Luckily I'm in a situation where I can stay home, but with the economy and gas prices where they are right now, it's difficult.

Click here to donate for the June financial reporting period and share your reasons for supporting Barack in the comments section below.

Ticket Distribution Temporarily Suspended for December 9th Rally

Laurin Manning — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 18:27:38 EST

Here at the South Carolina campaign headquarters, the phones have been ringing off the hook and folks have been flocking to the office for tickets to Sunday's rally in Columbia with Barack and Ms. Oprah Winfrey.

Due to the overwhelming demand, we have temporarily suspended ticket distribution for the December 9th rally.

We encourage those who are still interested in going to the event to submit their names to our waiting list. You can sign up for the waiting list here, or you can stop by our state headquarters at 1025 Calhoun Street in Columbia.

Alfre Woodard in South Carolina: Celebrate History, Make History

Laurin Manning — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 15:15:33 EDT

South Carolina's Women for Obama had a bustling weekend with four-time Emmy winner and Academy Award Nominee Alfre Woodard in state to stump for Barack.

At her first stop, Ms. Woodard, who you may recognize from her portrayal of Betty Applewhite in the ABC series Desperate Housewives, visited The Columbia Housing Authority's Cecil Tillis Family Life Center to discuss why she supports Barack. Ms. Woodard spoke to a group of women leaders at the Tillis Center.

As folks took their places at the table, Columbia City Councilman E.W. Cromartie shared background about the neighborhood. "This is a place where people said, 'We're going to take back our community. We don't let drug dealers come in.'"

Women in the circle beamed as Cromartie talked of their courage and leadership in cleaning up and reclaiming their neighborhood. Listening to their story, I was reminded of scenes from Barack's first book, Dreams from My Father, in which he recounts experiences with the strong women in the South Side of Chicago with whom he collaborated in his community organizing days.

After sketching a brief history of the neighborhood, Cromartie introduced today's special guest. Ms. Woodard encouraged the women to apply the organizational strength and experience Cromartie described to wield influence beyond the boundaries of their neighborhood: Woodard challenged them to help transform the country.

"My job today is to remind you all of your power -- the same kind of power you have exercised in the past by making this community what you deserve -- and to challenge you to use that power to influence this election. Register people to vote! Go door-to-door! Spread the word! You are the ones who will win this."

Later in the afternoon, over three hundred people convened at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center to celebrate Women's Equality Day at a rally hosted by the Obama campaign.

Greenville Volunteer Extraordinaire Mary Capers Bledsoe introduced Ms. Woodard, the keynote speaker.

In a rousing speech that brought the crowd of over 300 to its feet numerous times, Ms. Woodard spoke about her own history as an active participant in the electoral process.

"I was walking precincts with my mother when I was ten years old," she said.

Ms. Woodard described the hard work of suffragists in the early 20th Century and encouraged those in the audience to campaign for Barack with the same vigor. "You will take to the streets just like these grannies took to the streets!" said Woodard. "We can rally and fundamentally change the quality of life for all of us collectively."

Woodard talked about Barack's upbringing and how his being surrounded by strong women as a child helped mold him into the candidate best-suited to represent women's interests in the White House. "It is a blessing that as we celebrate the ... landmark of American women being officially recognized as full human beings that we have a candidate for higher office who the bedrock of his campaign is to promote, uplift, protect, assist, include and pay women!"

As we celebrate history, Woodard challenged us to make history.

"Right here today, you are the catalyst for this change, and you will be making history -- history that transcends gender, transcends color, transcends religious affiliation."

Alfre Woodard: Celebrate History, Make History

Laurin Manning — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 11:52:17 EDT

Eighty-seven years after the dream of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, Alice Paul, Lucy Burns, and others was ultimately realized -- that women would have the right to vote in this country -- we in South Carolina celebrated the historical landmark at a Women's Equality Day rally hosted by Women for Obama.

Greenville Volunteer Extraordinaire Mary Capers Bledsoe introduced the keynote speaker, Four-time Emmy Winner and Academy Award Nominee Alfre Woodard.

In a rousing speech that brought the crowd of over 300 to its feet numerous times, Ms. Woodard spoke about her own history as an active participant in the electoral process.

"I was walking precincts with my mother when I was ten years old," she said.

Ms. Woodard described the hard work of suffragists in the early 20th Century and encouraged those in the audience to campaign for Barack with the same vigor. "You will take to the streets just like these grannies took to the streets!" said Woodard. "We can rally and fundamentally change the quality of life for all of us collectively."

Woodard talked about Barack's upbringing and how his being surrounded by strong women as a child helped mold him into the candidate best-suited to represent women's interests in the White House. "It is a blessing that as we celebrate the ... landmark of American women being officially recognized as full human beings that we have a candidate for higher office who the bedrock of his campaign is to promote, uplift, protect, assist, include and pay women!"

As we celebrate history, Woodard challenged us to make history.

"Right here today, you are the catalyst for this change, and you will be making history -- history that transcends gender, transcends color, transcends religious affiliation."

Alfre Woodard: You are the ones who will win this!

Laurin Manning — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 14:52:32 EDT

This morning Emmy Winner and Academy Award Nominee Alfre Woodard visited The Columbia Housing Authority's Cecil Tillis Family Life Center to discuss why she supports Barack in his campaign for President. Ms. Woodard, who you may know from her portrayal of Betty Applewhite in Desperate Housewives, spoke to a group of women leaders at the Tillis Center.

While the crowd was trickling in and lining up for orange juice and doughnuts (the pink-icing-and-sprinkles kind!), Ms. Woodard welcomed a quick "dish session" about celebrity life before delving into political talk.

As folks took their places at the table, Columbia City Councilman E.W. Cromartie shared background about the neighborhood. "This is a place where people said, 'We're going to take back our community. We don't let drug dealers come in.'"

Women in the circle beamed as Cromartie talked of their courage and leadership in cleaning up and reclaiming their neighborhood. Listening to their story, I was reminded of scenes from Barack's first book, Dreams from My Father, in which he shares stories about the strong women in the South Side of Chicago who worked with him in his community organizing days.

After sketching a brief history of the neighborhood, Cromartie introduced today's special guest. Ms. Woodard encouraged the women to apply the organizational strength and experience Cromartie described to wield influence beyond the boundaries of their neighborhood: Woodard challenged them to help transform the country.

"My job today is to remind you all of your power -- the same kind of power you have exercised in the past by making this community what you deserve -- and to challenge you to use that power to influence this election. Register people to vote! Go door-to-door! Spread the word! You are the ones who will win this."

Jasmine Guy Visit to SC: Sunset with Jasmine

Laurin Manning — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 21:01:07 EDT

We concluded the day with Jasmine Guy beneath the palmetto fronds at the George Elliott House in downtown Beaufort, SC. We were greeted by a multicolored mermaid (pictured above) perched on the porch. (She's part of the Beaufort County Arts Council's "Big Swim," a project much like the Cows on Parade project in Barack's hometown several years ago.)

Women of all ages packed the historic house and listened intently as Ms. Guy shared her reasons for supporting Barack Obama in his quest for the presidency. She encouraged the ladies to join Women for Obama.

As the sun set on the Beaufort River in front of the George Elliott house, we thanked Ms. Guy for journeying to the Palmetto State to stump for Barack.

Jasmine Guy Visit to SC: Hilton Head Island Boys and Girls Club

Laurin Manning — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 20:31:25 EDT

Our second stop with Ms. Jasmine Guy was to the Hilton Head Island Boys and Girls Club.

A group of girls welcomed Ms. Guy with an energetic step routine, and then two young ladies interviewed Ms. Guy, quizzing her about how she made her foray into the performing arts and posing other questions about her childhood. Ms. Guy spoke openly about being a member of an interracial family and challenged the boys and girls to be respectful each others' differences. She shared that she was in South Carolina on behalf of Barack Obama and encouraged the children to talk to their parents about voting.

Posing for a picture with Ms. Guy, one young girl said, "This is the best day of my life...except for my birthday!"

Jasmine Guy Visit to SC: Tea with Jasmine

Laurin Manning — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 20:12:33 EDT

Actress Jasmine Guy, best known for her portrayal of Southern belle Whitley Gilbert in the NBC sitcom A Different World, joined us yesterday to kick-off Women for Obama in South Carolina's Lowcountry region.

The day began in golfer's paradise Hilton Head Island, where a crowd of several hundred ladies sporting their finest pastel linen dresses greeted Ms. Guy at the "Tea with Jasmine" luncheon. (Also in attendance were several lucky gentlemen…sans linen dresses.)

The program began with a welcome from Lowcountry Volunteer Extraordinaire Donna Williams, the luncheon hostess, who introduced three outstanding young women from Beaufort County.

Christina Ryan, the reigning Miss Beaufort High School, shared her volunteer experiences and encouraged other young ladies in the room to show initiative and help people in their communities.

Maggie McEachern, a Camp Obama alum and current volunteer in the Obama Lowcountry regional office, shared her reasons for joining the Obama campaign and her desire to see meaningful change in our country. "Half my life has been under the Bush administration," Maggie quipped, evoking a chuckle from the audience. "It's time for change."

Chelsea Allen shared that her belief that Barack Obama would lead the country out of the war in Iraq as one of her primary reasons for volunteering with the campaign. "I don't know about you all, but I'm sick of this war. Barack Obama will get us out of this war.

Following the remarks by the three Lowcountry young ladies, Ms. Guy took the stage and delighted the crowd with the same exuberance she showed on our television screens in A Different World. (Her voice was noticeably absent the thick drawl from her sitcom days, but having grown up in Atlanta, she still had plenty of Southern cred!)

Guy noted that this was the first time she’d spoken in public on behalf of Barack Obama. While she’s contributed monetarily to Obama's US Senate campaign as well as his presidential campaign, Guy said, "I wanted to do more than write checks."

Guy first met Barack when he was speaking at a breakfast in a Chicago boys' school. Guy was at the school promoting her book, Evolution of a Revolutionary. Hearing Barack speak, Guy said, "I couldn't believe that there was somebody in politics that I could relate to."

In closing, Guy encouraged all of the ladies to join Women for Obama.

Recap of Michelle Obama's trip to Upstate SC

Laurin Manning — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 17:36:50 EDT

As my feet are recovering from traipsing across the Upstate in pointy-toed high heels, my mind keeps drifting back to the special afternoon we shared with Michelle Obama yesterday.

Over 300 women (and a smattering of men) turned out to Bethlehem Baptist Church in Simpsonville, SC to hear Michelle and several inspiring women speak at the church's "Salute to Courageous Women."

After Bethlehem's senior pastor, Rev. Dr. Philip M. Baldwin, kicked off the program with an invocation, nationally renowned gospel singer Darlene McCoy rallied the crowd as we feasted upon delectable baked chicken. (I've endured hundreds of l'affaires de rubber chicken. This, friends, was no rubber chicken.)

As the day was dedicated to courageous women, two ladies from the Upstate shared their testimonies of overcoming formidable difficulties.

Special guest Mary Woods described working to establish a first-rate school at Bethlehem Baptist. The school now serves students in pre-kindergarten through fourth grade.

The program's second special guest, Jacqueline Freeman, shared her story of survival: Freeman is a widow who overcame breast cancer and lives with chronic disease while raising her teenage daughter. Jackie's gusto and determination were truly inspiring!

Following these stories of courage, educator Katie Kluttz took the stage and introduced Michelle to the crowd.

Michelle shared stories of courageous women she met in the African village of Siaya during her travels to Kenya with Barack last September. Many of these older women, "the Grandmothers of Siaya," serve as primary caregivers to their grandchildren. Michelle challenged us women in the crowd to take care of ourselves, band together, and mend wounds with other women in our lives.

"As the Grandmothers of Siaya teach us, we cannot afford to neglect one another because often times we are all that we have; and in the worse times we are all that we need. So, as I close I ask that, if there is any one in this room who has a broken relationship with another woman; if there is a woman in your life that you have not communicated with because of ego or embarrassment or jealousy or fear of rejection; a sister or a friend or a mother or a child who could or should be a part of your community..."

The "Tribute to Courageous Women" event also offered an ideal setting to invite Upstate women to take part in Women for Obama. (Click here to sign up for Women for Obama in the Palmetto State!)

While the "Salute to Courageous Women" was inspiring, Michelle's visit to the Phillis Wheatley Community Center in Greenville, SC was a heck of a lot of fun. The Center is a safe haven for children of all ages to dance, sing, paint, and play in a variety of after-school and summer programs.

When we arrived, one of the Center's choirs welcomed Michelle with a Gospel-style rendition of Ben Harper's song "I Believe in a Better Way." (The lyrics were altered slightly to specifically address Barack's message of hope.) Many of the children were small, but they sure could belt out some big tunes!

After the serenade, Michelle sat down and talked to a group of preteen girls who are enrolled in the Center's summer program. During the gab session, the girls talked with Michelle about their goals, thoughts about college, and ... bullies.

Michelle didn't have too much of a problem with bullies in school partly because "[she] was tall and [she] had a big brother." She encouraged the girls to talk to people nicely and not to put down folks who are different -- whether they're different because they're the smartest kids in the class or because they do something in a different manner than other kids.

As Michelle and the girls left the room together for a tour of the Center, one young girl (who hopes to be a hair stylist when she grows up) turned to the future First Lady of the United States and inquired, "Is your hair natural?"

"Are you asking if I have weave?" Michelle said with a grin. She informed the girls that her hair is, in fact, au natural.

LIVE from Michelle's Upstate Visit: Visiting the Phillis Wheatley Community Center

Laurin Manning — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 17:44:20 EDT

While the "Salute to Courageous Women" was inspiring, Michelle's visit to the Phillis Wheatly Community Center in Greenville, SC this afternoon was a heck of a lot of fun. The Wheatly center is a phenomenal place where children of all ages can dance, sing, paint, and play in a variety of after-school and summer programs.

When Michelle arrived, some of Wheatly's best singers welcomed her with a choreographed song about hope that fit right in-line with what the campaign is all about.

After thanking the singers, Ms. Obama had a chance to sit down and talk to with some girls, ages 10-13, that spend time at the center throughout the week and discuss their goals, thoughts about college, and... bullies.

According to her, Michelle didn't have too much of a problem with bullies in school partly because, "[she] was tall and [she] had a big brother."

As Michelle and the girls left the room together to take a tour of the center, one of the girls turned to the future First Lady of the United States and asked the question everyone in the room was dying to know: "Is your hair natural?"

The answer, of course, was, "Yes."

Compelled by the center's dance instructor and some of his students, Michelle joined the class in learning the returned and showed everyone in the room just how good of a dancer she really is. In fact, Michelle was having so much fun she had NPR All Things Considered Edition host Michele Norris (left, in the pink jacket), who was following Ms. Obama for the day, join her on the studio floor.

It's been a packed, but fun, day here in the Upstate and rest assured that we'll be following up these "live" happenings with more extensive posts very soon.

LIVE from Michelle's Upstate Visit: Courageous Women Luncheon

Laurin Manning — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 14:24:15 EDT

Michelle just wrapped up her speech here at "Salute to Courageous Women" luncheon at the Bethlehem Baptist Church in Simpsonville, SC.

Over 300 women (and a smattering of men) packed the luncheon hall to hear both Mrs. Obama and several courageous Upstate women speak.

After Bethlehem's senior pastor, Rev. Dr. Philip M. Baldwin kicked off the program with an invocation, nationally renowned R&B singer Darlene McCoy rallied the crowd.

Lyshedra Williams served as the Mistress of Ceremony and, along with Greenville County Democratic Women President Ginny Beach, introduced some of luncheon's special guests.

Special guest Mary Woods shared about the accomplishments of the Bethlehem Baptist Academy she runs. The school serves Upstate students from pre-kindergarten through the fourth grade and offers a first-rate curriculum.

The program's second special guest, Jacqueline Freeman, shared her story of survival: Freeman is a widow who overcame breast cancer and lives with chronic disease while raising her teenage daughter. Jackie's gusto and determination was truly inspiring!

Following these stories of courage, educator Katie Kluttz took the stage and introduced Ms. Obama to the crowd.

Later today, we'll talk further about what Mrs. Obama shared with the crowd, but, for now, know that Michelle delivered a compelling address with which every woman -- mother, daughter, sister, aunt -- in the audience could identify.

Pee Dee Bound to Walk for Change!

Laurin Manning — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 20:08:36 EDT

Hey, y'all! My name is Laurin Manning, and I'm on staff here at the Obama campaign's state headquarters in Columbia. While I manage to enjoy myself for the most part here in the capital city, I'm looking forward to heading back to my roots this weekend to kick-off "Walk for Change" in the Pee Dee!

For those of you who aren't from South Carolina, no, I didn't grow up in a police department. The Pee Dee is the northeast corner of the state -- a sandy, rural area named for a local Indian tribe and the river that flows through the region. (The Pee Dee is also home to South Carolina's most delectable variety of barbeque -- vinegar-based. I plan to indulge in some 'que while I'm home.)

We'll be cranking things up at the Wukela Law Firm in Florence at 10 AM. (Click here for directions.) Join fellow supporters across the Palmetto State and across the United States as we knock on doors and spread Barack’s message of hope!

As Barack said in his announcement speech back in February, "In the face of impossible odds, people who love their country can change it."

Tomorrow's walk is a step toward initiating such change.

So join us at the Wukela Law Firm at 10 AM as we help grow this grassroots movement to elect Barack Obama the 44th President of the United States.

Don't forget your marching shoes...and your sunblock!

Michelle at DNC's Black Caucus

Laurin Manning — Sun, 27 Aug 2006 16:44:14 EDT

Yesterday, four distinguished members of the Congressional Black Caucus addressed the convention to lay out their vision of the future of this country. Today, Michelle Obama spoke at a meeting of the DNC's Black Caucus. She said:

I'm particularly glad to be here on a week that commemorates some of the great strides our nation has made toward equality and justice.

Eighty-eight years ago yesterday, the 19th Amendment became law, guaranteeing women the right to vote. And tomorrow will be the 45th anniversary of when Dr. King stood up in front of the Lincoln Memorial and lifted our sights and our hearts with his dream for America.

We all know that our country's journey of equality is not yet finished. But this week, we celebrate how far we've come--and how deep our shared capacity is to break through any barriers that stand in the way of our progress as a nation. - Michelle Obama

Watch an excerpt from her remarks below:

Michelle at DNC's Hispanic Caucus

Laurin Manning — Sun, 27 Aug 2006 16:01:12 EDT

Earlier today Michelle Obama dropped by the DNC's Hispanic Caucus and offered a few remarks. She talked about one of Barack's bedrock principles: Fight for the world as it should be rather than being resigned to the world as it is.

This is a historic election -- and not just because Barack is at the top of the Democratic ticket. It's historic because of what's at stake for our shared future and our children's future.

This election is about the Latino families who are often the first ones hurt by an economic downturn and often the last ones helped by an economic upturn. It's about the Latino communities that have been devastated by the housing crisis. There are so many urgent problems that we must address in this election. That's why Barack is running for President. Because he believes that if we come together, and work together, we can build the world as it should be.

In the world as it should be, anyone willing to put in an honest day's work can make a good living and support their family--because we'll have an economy that works for all Americans--not just on Wall Street, but on Main Street, too.

Watch an excerpt from Michelle's remarks at the DNC's Hispanic Caucus below: